I swear to God

[mmmcloug]

The phrase, “I swear to God,” when used in everyday conversation, bothers me because I view it as disrespectful to God and taking the Lord’s name in vain. My brother does not see a problem with it, because he says that he uses it to show how serious he is when making a statement and does not use it unless he is very sure of what he is saying.

Is the phrase something we should avoid saying? In James chapter 5, it says, “But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but your yes is to be yes, and your no, no, so that you may not fall under judgment.” Does that apply here?

Thank you.

 

[datritle]

i might agree with your brother… God is not a name of God anyway.

 

[guanophore]

The phrase, “I swear to God,” when used in everyday conversation, bothers me because I view it as disrespectful to God and taking the Lord’s name in vain. My brother does not see a problem with it, because he says that he uses it to show how serious he is when making a statement and does not use it unless he is very sure of what he is saying.

Is the phrase something we should avoid saying? In James chapter 5, it says, “But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but your yes is to be yes, and your no, no, so that you may not fall under judgment.” Does that apply here?

Thank you.

You are right. this is not an appropriate phrase to be using. As James points out, it is unnecessary. The fact that you don’t find it edifying should be enough for him.

Eph 4:28-30
29 Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for edifying, as fits the occasion, that it may impart grace to those who hear.