James 5:12. A disconnected maxim, warning Jews against a very prevalent sin, and again directly quoting the unnamed Master (Matthew 5:34 ff; cf. Matthew 23:16-22). The Quaker-like self-control which makes Yes or No carry more weight than a whole string of oaths, is a virtue not inappropriately commended after that of patience. Before all things is not a relative phrase; a warning to guard the sacredness of God's Name, and avoid the condemnation of the Third Commandment, is declared to be among the first things. Probably mg. is right, as the words are so close to Matthew 5:37. Our Lord's own habit of doubling a word for emphasis is well exemplified in His characteristic Amen, Amen in Jn. (e.g. John 13:20).
Related Commentaries of James 5:12
James 5:12
12 But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.