Swearing falsely, or bearing false witness, is a serious offense in the biblical context, as it directly contravenes the commandment against lying and deceit. The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and integrity, and it warns of severe consequences for those who engage in false swearing.

The act of swearing falsely is condemned throughout Scripture as a sin that not only harms individuals but also disrupts the moral fabric of society. In the Old Testament, the Ninth Commandment explicitly states, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" (Exodus 20:16). This commandment underscores the importance of honesty and the destructive nature of deceit.

The wicked, who engage in swearing falsely, are warned of divine retribution. Proverbs 19:5 declares, "A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who utters lies will not escape." This verse highlights the certainty of punishment for those who engage in deceitful practices. The wicked, by their false oaths, align themselves against God's truth and justice, and as a result, they face the prospect of being cut off.

The prophet Zechariah provides a vivid depiction of the consequences for those who swear falsely. In Zechariah 5:3-4 , a vision of a flying scroll is described, which represents the curse that goes out over the whole land: "This is the curse that is going out over the face of all the earth, for everyone who steals will be cut off according to what is written on one side, and everyone who swears falsely will be cut off according to what is written on the other side. I will send it out, declares the LORD of Hosts, and it will enter the house of the thief and the house of him who swears falsely by My name. It will remain inside his house and consume it, with its timber and stones."

This passage illustrates the comprehensive and inescapable nature of divine judgment against false swearing. The imagery of the curse entering and consuming the house of the wicked signifies the totality of the consequences that befall those who engage in such sin.

In the New Testament, Jesus reiterates the importance of truthfulness in speech. In Matthew 5:37 , He instructs, "But let your 'Yes' mean 'Yes,' and your 'No' mean 'No.' Anything more comes from the evil one." This teaching emphasizes the need for simplicity and honesty in communication, avoiding the need for oaths that might lead to false swearing.

The Apostle Paul also warns against deceitful practices in his epistles. In Ephesians 4:25 , he exhorts believers, "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another." This call to truthfulness is rooted in the understanding that the community of believers is interconnected, and falsehood undermines the unity and trust within the body of Christ.

The biblical narrative consistently portrays swearing falsely as a hallmark of the wicked, who are ultimately cut off from God's favor and blessing. The Scriptures affirm that God is a God of truth, and those who align themselves with falsehood place themselves in opposition to His righteous character.Zechariah 5:3
Then said he to me, This is the curse that goes forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that steals shall be cut off as on this side according to it; and every one that swears shall be cut off as on that side according to it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Against Rash and Vain Swearing.
... me here by God, that thou wilt not deal falsely with me ... is sometime alleged in excuse
of rash swearing: I was ... my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before ...
/.../sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/against rash and vain swearing.htm

Covenanting a Duty.
... sovereign Lord, by renouncing severally their wicked constitutions, framing ... not be
accepted for vowing and swearing to Him ... and if duty be vowed falsely, or not ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter iii covenanting a duty.htm

Meditations on the Hindrances which Keep Back a Sinner from the ...
... with present judgment for their outrageous swearing, adultery, drunkenness ... one night
to live longer: so many wicked epicures falsely promise themselves ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations on the hindrances which.htm

Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals.
... The Lord liveth; surely they swear falsely." "Thy children ... those priests were made
without the swearing of an ... above all things and desperately wicked, it is ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter xi covenanting enforced by.htm

Covenanting Confers Obligation.
... what is lawfully engaged to in swearing by the ... deceitfully"otherwise than which the
wicked cannot make it ... obligation to punishment for dealing falsely with God ...
/.../the ordinance of covenanting/chapter v covenanting confers obligation.htm

The Irish Articles of Religion. AD 1615.
... and therefore all vain and rash swearing is utterly ... of the same: as certain Anabaptists
falsely affirm. ... unspeakable comforts; the souls of the wicked are cast ...
/.../the irish articles of religion.htm

Exposition of the Moral Law.
... his name is profaned with vain and wicked abuse, because ... is done to God when men
swear by him falsely. ... For this rash swearing has always prevailed in the world ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 exposition of the.htm

Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant.
... which not merely the righteous but the wicked were to ... of good connected with vowing
and swearing to God ... as the oath which, by being sworn falsely, is converted ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter vi covenanting provided for.htm

Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C.
... the name of God, and that neither falsely nor rashly ... under the mosaical law; and
not also swearing by the ... Hence wicked men shall be more terrified, and good men ...
/.../proposition xv concerning salutations and.htm

Articles of Religion.
... the Use of the Lord's Supper."The wicked, and such ... of the same, as certain Anabaptists
do falsely boast. ... we confess that vain, and rash swearing is forbidden ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/articles of religion.htm

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