Matthew 5:37
All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.
Have heard the saying that “the devil is in the detail“? People who are not honest have difficulty answering simple and direct questions with a yes or no. In a courtroom for example, a guilty defendant prefers to give an explanation than answer with a yes or no. Lawyers too if they cannot answer with a simple yes or no, prefer to give an explanation in order to avoid a yes or no question that will clearly incriminate.
Asking a simple yes no question is a good way to find out if a person is hiding something. This is a useful strategy in determining what kind of person someone is. It is also a great strategy to use in a debate. If a person believes and teaches something that from your perspective seems wrong, you can test their teaching with yes or no questions. This will not only help you determine where they are coming from, but will help them too.
James 5:12
Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned.
