Matthew 5:37 Inductive Bible Study
If you’ve ever struggled with feeling like you have to convince people to believe you or prove your sincerity with extra words, the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:37 speak directly to the heart. This study will guide you through the verse using the inductive Bible study method—observation, interpretation, and application—while also connecting supporting scriptures to deepen our understanding.
This painting, One Face, Two Truths, was inspired by this study. It reflects the inner tension many of us carry—the pull between yes and no, truth and compromise. The idea of having two faces. But Jesus calls us to something better. Something simpler. Something honest.
Matthew 5:37 (NKJV)
“But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.”
🔍 1. Observation – What does the verse say?
Let’s start by simply observing the text.
Jesus is speaking during the Sermon on the Mount, teaching a crowd (including His disciples) how to live in a way that reflects God’s kingdom. His words are plain and direct:
Let your yes be yes.
Let your no be no.
Anything more than that comes from the evil one.
At face value, this is a warning against dishonesty or manipulation in speech. But is there more to it than just “don’t lie”? Let’s dig deeper.
📖 2. Interpretation – What does it mean?
To understand what Jesus meant, we turn to scripture. The idea of truthful speech begins early in the Bible.
Exodus 20:16 (NKJV)
“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.”
This commandment speaks directly to integrity and honesty.
Leviticus 19:11-12
“You shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another. And you shall not swear by My name falsely, nor shall you profane the name of your God: I am the LORD.”
This reiterates not just the command to speak truth, but also warns against misusing God's name to cover deceit.
James 5:12
“But above all, my brethren, do not swear... but let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No,’ lest you fall into judgment.”
James echoes Jesus’ exact words, underscoring their importance while expressing the consequence if one lies.
2 Corinthians 1:17–18
“Therefore, when I was planning this, did I do it lightly? Or the things I plan, do I plan according to the flesh, that with me there should be Yes, Yes, and No, No?”
Paul emphasizes sincerity and steadfastness in speech.
Ephesians 4:25
“Therefore, putting away lying, ‘Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,’ for we are members of one another.”
Here we’re reminded that truthfulness builds up the body of Christ—our honesty matters because we belong to one another.
These verses together show us that Jesus isn’t only prohibiting lying—He’s calling us to integrity. That our words should align with our hearts, and our hearts with God’s truth.
Matthew 12:34-35
“Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.”
This verse reminds us that our speech reveals what’s in our hearts. Honest speech flows from a heart rooted in God.
👿 “Whatever is more than these is from the evil one”
Jesus doesn’t just say exaggeration or false swearing is “unhelpful”—He says it’s from the evil one.
Who is the evil one? We know from reading the Bible that the evil one refers to Satan.
Here are some scriptural references that clarify:
|
Description |
Scripture |
Notes |
|
First appearance of Satan |
Genesis 3:1 |
As the serpent |
|
First title “the evil one” for Satan |
Matthew 13:38–39 |
Jesus names him “the wicked one,” the devil |
|
First direct mention in prayer |
John 17:15 |
Jesus prays for protection from “the evil one” |
So when we twist the truth or embellish our words to manipulate or persuade, we align ourselves with Satan—the father of lies—not with the God of truth.
That’s a serious warning.
🪞 3. Application – How do I live this out?
This verse isn’t just a warning—it’s a call to transformation.
Here are a few reflective questions:
- Do people trust my word without needing extra proof?
- Am I tempted to add dramatic language just to be believed?
- Am I practicing honesty even in the little things?
In a world full of empty promises and deceptive speech, Jesus calls His followers to be different.
To be people of truth.
To be people of integrity.
To be people whose word is enough.
Let your yes be yes.
Let your no be no.
🌱 Final Thoughts
Jesus' words are simple, but deeply challenging. They call us to speak in a way that reflects God's nature—pure, trustworthy, and faithful.
When we commit to letting our “yes” mean yes, and our “no” mean no, we not only honor God—we also become a trustworthy presence in a world of broken words.
If you'd like to watch the video version of this study, it is available on YouTube. Just click here.
Thank you for walking through this scripture with me today.
Until next time,
Stay rooted in truth—and let your words reflect the One who is always faithful, our Lord Jesus Christ.