This post is Day 24 in a series of studies about “James”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

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James – Day 24

Many would consider it childish to be learning Bible verses as an adult, but it is the only way to fight the enemy. Knowing Bible verses is one thing, but speaking them out loud is quite another. Jesus quoted scripture when he was tempted by Satan, and so must we.

James 5:12

Above all, my brothers, do not swear–not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No”, no, or you will be condemned.

The Thought

James has had much to say about our tongues and our words, and here he repeats the words of Jesus. Let your ‘yes’ be yes and your ‘no’ be no, anything else comes from the evil one (Matthew 5:37).

In our twenty first century thinking the expression “do not swear” in this verse would mean not using bad language, but in context it means not saying things like “I swear to God …” or “In God’s name” in secular conversations. Every word we say needs to be honest and truthful.

Do you find it disturbing how many of our words are inspired from the wrong source? The only way to change that is to know what the Lord says, and to have Bible verses in our hearts and minds. Many would consider it childish to be learning Bible verses as an adult, but it is the only way to fight the enemy. Knowing Bible verses is one thing, but speaking them out loud is quite another.

Jesus quoted scripture when he was tempted by Satan, and so must we. Make a decision today to “write scriptures on the tablet of your heart” (Proverbs 7:3). We all need certain passages of scripture to be in our hearts and minds so that we can remember them at a moment’s notice, when needed. And we need to speak them out, not just think about them. Satan flees when he hears the Words of God.

Action

Pray for the ability to remember scriptures that are important to you. Pray for the Lord’s inspiration of verses you will need in the future.

Praise Him for His Word that makes the enemy flee.

Praise Him using words from the psalms today.