You have also heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the LORD.’ But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, ‘By heaven!’ because heaven is God’s throne. And do not say, ‘By the earth!’ because the earth is his footstool. And do not say, ‘By Jerusalem!’ for Jerusalem is the city of the great King. Do not even say, ‘By my head!’ for you can’t turn one hair white or black. Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one. Matthew 5:33-37
Meditate. Think on these verses.

A simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Jesus was pretty specific here. No discussion. Not a lot of words are necessary. Yes or No. This was in relation to a passage in Numbers that Jesus was using to elaborate on what people need to know to live the way God wants us to.
A man who makes a vow to the LORD or makes a pledge under oath must never break it. He must do exactly what he said he would do. Numbers 30:2 (NLT)
In context…Jesus was bringing Moses’ teaching about vows, thus about honesty and integrity, to the attention of His followers. Moses went on to point out the importance of a woman’s promises with her father and husband. Such vows or pledges apply to all believers…all humanity. How often do we make such a vow or pledge to the Lord or under oath? Not often… or every day as we get out of bed. Do you thank the Lord for another day…and then tell Him you will do whatever it is that He wants you to do? It’s a good way to start the day.
What was Jesus teaching His followers that day, sitting near the Sea of Galilee with a gentle breeze blowing over them? Be honest about what you say you will do. Don’t let the devil get you sidetracked with too many words or excuses. Just do what you say you will do. Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one.This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
Prayer ~ Lord, this is Your day. May whatever I think, say or do today bring glory to You.
Verse of Salvation ~ Please, LORD, please save us. Please, LORD, please give us success. Bless the one who comes in the name of the LORD. We bless you from the house of the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Psalms 118:25-26, 29 (NLT)
© 2026 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
Portions reused from April 20, 2022, Banquet With The King, blog.
All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.
New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation.
Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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