Question: The Bible forbids taking oaths, so why do people still swear in court or during wedding ceremonies?

Answer:

To understand this well, it’s important to recognize that the Bible speaks about different kinds of oaths, and not all oaths are sinful or forbidden.

For instance, the Apostle Paul calls God as a witness to confirm his words:

“But I call God to witness against me—it was to spare you that I did not return to Corinth.”
— 2 Corinthians 1:23

“For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son…”
— Romans 1:9

From this, we see there are two main categories of oaths:

1. Oaths of Commitment and Faithfulness

These oaths are solemn promises made before God, often called vows or covenants. They bind a person spiritually and morally. For example, if someone vows to God to do or not do something until a certain purpose is fulfilled, this is serious. Failing to keep such a vow is considered sin (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5):

“When you make a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools; pay what you vow.”
— Ecclesiastes 5:4-5

Marriage is another example of a sacred covenant. When two people marry according to God’s design, they are bound by a holy oath to remain faithful until death:

“What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”
— Mark 10:9

Whether the couple publicly declares their vows or not, the marriage covenant is established before God.

2. Oaths in Legal and Formal Contexts

In courts or official agreements, people are often asked to swear or affirm the truth of their statements or their commitment to uphold contracts. These oaths serve a practical purpose—they confirm honesty and build trust. They are not about proving moral perfection or superiority but about affirming truthfulness and accountability.

What About the Oaths God Forbids?

God forbids rash, arrogant, or prideful oaths—those made carelessly or out of pressure. For example:

• “I swear by God’s justice!”
• “I swear on my grandfather’s grave!”
• “I swear on my own head!”
• “I swear by the throne of God!”

Such oaths are often spoken in anger or pride and are meaningless because humans do not have authority over these things. Jesus warned against this:

“But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God…”
— Matthew 5:34

Instead, Jesus taught that we should speak simply and truthfully:

“Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.”
— Matthew 5:37

Therefore, Christians are encouraged to speak honestly and straightforwardly, letting their “yes” mean yes, and their “no” mean no (James 5:12):

“But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your ‘yes’ be yes and your ‘no’ be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.”
— James 5:12

May God bless you as you seek to live with integrity and truth.

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