Bible verses for children
Make your words dependable.
Matthew 5:37
But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ and your ‘No’ be ‘No.’ Whatever is more than these is of the evil one.
Matthew 5:37 · World English Bible Classic (WEB)
In simple words
What does this verse mean?
A truthful yes or no should not need impressive promises to make it believable. Jesus asks for speech people can trust. If circumstances change, explain honestly rather than hiding behind excuses.
Give a clear answer about what you can do, instead of promising more than you can manage.
Talk about it
How can you make a promise more dependable?
A little more to explore
Bible context & readings +
Matthew 5:33–37 discusses oaths and attempts to guarantee words through solemn formulas. Jesus redirects attention to truthfulness itself, not a rule against explaining uncertainty or changing a mistaken answer.
Full readings at eBible.org · World English Bible Classic. Read with an adult.A simple prayer +
Jesus, help our ordinary words be trustworthy. Amen.
A suggested prayer, written for this guide.