“ But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King.”
Oaths were given to persuade another that what you said was in fact true. Oaths are promises made in such a way as to make you believe in someone or something by their words. The speaker calls upon God to witness his vow and to punish him if he breaks it. It is an appeal made to God in public calling upon Him with a vow of sincerity, a statement made in connection with an event or fact of the past, present, or future.
The Jews of the Old Testament revered the name of God. Yahweh was so holy a name, they would not even pronounce it. Some scribes, when writing the sacred text and copying it for others to read, would bathe and put on special clothes and use special tools when writing the name of Yahweh. They would pronounce His name Jehovah, which combined the consonants and the vowels which came from the word, Lord, (Adonai).
Many would refuse to take an oath in the name of God. They would promise to tell the truth by heaven or by earth or by Jerusalem or even by their own head. They would use a special formula thereby not actually swearing by the Lord's name, but still persuading others they meant what they said.
As is the case in the US, words can be easily twisted. Soon it got to be that such oaths didn't really have to be honored because it wasn't in God's name. They could then break promises and not be found liable for them. They felt they were free from guilt because they didn't swear in the name of Jehovah. Some Jews divided oaths into those which were absolutely binding and those which were not.
Is that different from word games that are intended to mislead? I’m not talking about fun board games which is a different category. I’m talking about lying by how one’s words are phrased. “Who got into the candy?”
"I didn't eat one single piece." Perhaps the person ate three or four pieces, so he didn't lie but led you to believe he didn't get into the candy.
“Say, can you come and serve at ladies circle?”
“Oh, I'd love to, but I'm busy that afternoon.” That might mean she is busy watching her soap operas and doesn't want to come. (I don’t know if soap operas are still televised.)
Of course, you get the idea; we think of a way to phrase our words so that we believe we are not lying, but the receiver is getting a message different than what we are sending.
Application: Think about how you can be honest and open in your communication. What would Jesus do?
Prayer: Jesus, help me live in a way that is pleasing in Your sight always speaking truth and honesty in all my relationships.
