“But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No, ‘No,’ lest you fall into judgment” (James 5:12).
Few things reveal a person’s character and integrity as trials do. In the intense, unwavering light of adversity, Job’s righteousness was seen to be rooted in his very core; his wife’s was not (Job 2:10). Though the Pharisees’ character was a veneer like whitewashed tombs, Jesus’s integrity was the real deal.
It seems most fitting for James to conclude this section on how to deal with adversity by emphasizing the need for patience (v. 10), perseverance (v. 11), and integrity (v. 12).
As detailed in the book of Job, Satan can remove many things from you via adversity. He cannot, however, wrest your integrity away. You have absolute control over how much you have and under what, if any, circumstances you surrender it.
Above all the material valuables you have, treasure your integrity. Continue sanctifying holy things in your heart and being a person of your word. Your integrity is that important.
