Being a Person of Integrity

The Christian’s speech should be different.

Restrain your tongue.

If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.James 1:26

Speak like those who have been set free.

So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.James 2:12

Control your mouth. It directs your life.

For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!James 3:2-5

Beware of gossip and slander.

Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.James 4:11

There are situations for swearing oaths.

David swore oaths to Jonathan, Saul, Shimei and God.

But the king spared Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan the son of Saul, because of the LORD’s oath that was between them, between David and Jonathan the son of Saul.2 Samuel 21:7

And when all the people came to cause David to eat meat while it was yet day, David sware, saying, So do God to me, and more also, if I taste bread, or ought else, till the sun be down.2 Samuel 3:35

The children of Israel swore an oath to God under Joshua’s leadership.

And Joshua adjured them at that time, saying, Cursed be the man before the LORD, that riseth up and buildeth this city Jericho: he shall lay the foundation thereof in his firstborn, and in his youngest son shall he set up the gates of it.Joshua 6:26

Paul made a vow to God.

And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.Acts 18:18

God has sworn oaths.

But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD.Numbers 14:21

For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.Romans 14:11

All holy and consecrated swearing, oath-taking or vow-making should be done in the name of the Lord.

We should not need to swear to ensure our truthfulness.

We have nothing to swear by.

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: But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne: Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.Matthew 5:33-36

A person of integrity should be able to give their word without further assurance.

But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.Matthew 5:37

A lifestyle of habitual lying and deception is indicative of one who is not saved.

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.Revelation 21:8

When taking a vow before God, ensure you can fulfill it.

When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.Ecclesiastes 5:4-5