Matthew 23:16-22 - Homilies By J.a. Macdonald

Swearing.

From the doings of the scribes and Pharisees the Lord passes to their teaching ; and he commences with their refinement in respect to oaths. There is no reference here to judicial swearing, or deposing upon oath before a magistrate in the interests of public justice. The whole argument goes to show that the swearing here referred to is the voluntary and gratuitous.

I. SWEARING ORIGINATES IN FALSEHOOD .

1 . Simple assertion, is the sufficient bond of a true man.

2 . More than affirmation is from an evil source.

II. IT TENDS TO EQUIVOCATION .

1 . The Pharisees invented evasive distinctions.

2 . These distinctions were false in fact.

3 . They are demoralizing.

III. IT INJURES REVERENCE .

1 . It is a breach of the commandments.

2 . It is a violation of the gospel law.

IV. IT DECEIVES AND ENSNARES .

1 . The guides are blind.

2 . But God is not deceived.