June 1

From: Continual Burnt Offering: Daily Meditations By: Henry Allan Ironside

Matthew 5:33‑35

“Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shall 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” ―Matthew 5:33-35³³Again, 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: ³⁴But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: ³⁵Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. (Matthew 5:33‑35).

YOUTHS often seem to regard profanity as an accomplishment of which to be proud. On the contrary, it is always a sign of weakness, and betrays a corrupt and wicked heart. No one admires a swearer. But all right-thinking people recognize the nobility of character that enables one to keep his lips clean and whose speech is wholesome and refined. Our Lord distinctly forbids the use of such expletives as “Heavens,” “Jerusalem,” and other terms. These do not add to the strength of one’s language, but rather weaken it, and are utterly unbecoming in the lips of a believer on Christ.

“That name I just heard is delightfully sweet!

Jesus is Christi and Him you must meet;

Now He is meeting poor sinners in grace,

He knocks at your heart. Oh, give Him a place!

He hears you blaspheme; but oh, if you knew

How much He loves sinners, how much He loves you,

You would fall at His feet and adoringly sing,

Jesus! my Saviour! my Lord! and my King!

‘Twas for this that He died on Calvary’s tree,

That sinners, the chief, might from judgment be free;

He’s now up in glory—a Man on God’s throne,

But He’s coming again—it may be quite soon.