📖 Matthew 5:37 (KJV)
But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
Empty Words vs. Honest Words
Words are not cheap in God’s eyes. He created the world by His Word (Genesis 1), and He sustains us by His Word. As His children, our words also carry weight. They can build trust, strengthen faith, and honor Him or they can deceive, discourage, and dishonor Him.
In Jesus’ time, people added oaths and swearing to make their words sound more believable. But Jesus taught that if your “yes” doesn’t already mean yes, or your “no” doesn’t already mean no, then you are not being truthful. Adding more words only covers up dishonesty.
Today, careless words and empty promises are everywhere, in business, relationships, even in the church. But Jesus calls His people to something higher: truthful, plain speech that reflects His holiness.
1. 🚫 The Problem of Empty Words
Careless Promises
📖 Ecclesiastes 5:2 (KJV)
Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.
📖 Proverbs 20:25 (KJV)
It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry.”
Too often we say things quickly just to please others or to end a conversation. But careless promises damage trust and dishonor the Lord. God expects us to treat our words with seriousness. If we commit to something, we should follow through.
✝️ How many times have we told God “yes” in prayer, but lived “no” in practice?
Casual Swearing
📖 Exodus 20:7 (KJV)
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
People use phrases like “I swear to God” to add weight to their words. But if we are truthful, our words do not need anything extra. When we swear casually, we dishonor the holy name of God and show that our yes or no cannot stand on its own.
Corrupt Speech
📖 Matthew 5:37 (KJV)
But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.”
Corrupt speech includes dishonesty, exaggeration, and false commitments. It may seem normal in the world — telling half-truths at work, hiding flaws in business deals, or making excuses in ministry. But Jesus said these kinds of words come from evil.
Empty and corrupt speech exposes a divided heart. A mouth that cannot be trusted reveals a life not fully surrendered to Christ.
2. 📖 The Principle of Plain Truth
Truth Reflects God’s Character
📖 Titus 1:2 (KJV)
In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
God is absolute truth. Everything He says is certain. When we speak the truth, we reflect His character. But when we lie or exaggerate, we reflect Satan, the father of lies.
📖 John 8:44 (KJV)
Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
Our words testify who we belong to — the God of truth, or the father of lies.
Christians Should Be Known for Honesty
📖 Colossians 3:9–10 (KJV)
9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
Honesty is not optional for a Christian. It is evidence of the new life we have in Christ. Our words, whether in business, family, or service to God, must show integrity.
Our Word Should Be Our Bond
📖 Psalm 15:4 (KJV)
In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.
Long ago, a handshake was as binding as a contract. Today, even written agreements are broken easily. But God expects His people to keep their word. Even when it is inconvenient or costly, a Christian should remain faithful to their commitments.
When we keep our promises, we reflect the faithfulness of the God who always keeps His.
3. 🛠 The Practice of Speaking Truth Plainly
Keep Commitments
If you say yes to God, let your life prove it. God has never broken His promises. His “yes” is always yes. If we are His children, our words should reflect His reliability.
Avoid Flattery and Exaggeration
📖 Proverbs 26:28 (KJV)
A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.
Flattery may sound kind, but it is empty and often harmful. Exaggeration may make us look good, but it only weakens trust. God calls us to plain honesty, not sugar-coated or self-serving speech.
Speak in Love and Integrity
📖 Ephesians 4:15 (KJV)
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.
Truth without love can wound. Love without truth can mislead. But truth spoken in love edifies and points people to Christ. Our speech must be consistent with our actions, reflecting the integrity of Christ Himself.
✝️ A Call to Believers
📖 Matthew 5:33 (KJV)
Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths.
If you have said “yes” to God, then perform it. Do not let your words be empty. If you said you would pray, then pray. If you committed to serve, then serve. If you told the Lord “Here am I, send me,” then live it out.
God is not impressed with lips that say “yes” but lives that say “no.” He wants His children to be faithful to the words they speak.
👉 Believer, what vows or commitments have you made to the Lord? Are you performing them, or are they left unfulfilled?
❤️ A Call to the Unsaved
Friend, empty words cannot save you. Saying “I believe in God” or calling yourself “Christian” is not enough. You must be born again.
📖 John 3:3 (KJV)
Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
📖 Romans 10:9 (KJV)
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
True salvation is not just words — it is faith in Christ’s finished work on the cross and a life transformed by Him.
👉 Click here to learn how to be saved