Swearing falsely, or bearing false witness, is a sin that is explicitly condemned in the Bible. It is considered a violation of the Ninth Commandment, which states, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" (Exodus 20:16). This act of deceit is not only a personal sin but also has broader implications for the community and society at large. The Bible warns that those who engage in swearing falsely will bring a curse upon their households.

The gravity of swearing falsely is underscored in the book of Zechariah. The prophet Zechariah describes a vision of a flying scroll, which represents the curse that goes out over the whole land. The scroll declares that "every thief will be banished, and everyone who swears falsely will be banished" (Zechariah 5:3). This passage highlights the divine judgment that awaits those who engage in deceitful practices, emphasizing that their houses will be affected by this curse. The curse is not merely a personal consequence but extends to the household, indicating the far-reaching impact of such sin.

Proverbs also speaks to the consequences of falsehood, stating, "The LORD detests lying lips, but He delights in those who speak the truth" (Proverbs 12:22). This verse reflects the moral order established by God, where truth is valued and deceit is abhorred. The wicked, who choose to swear falsely, disrupt this divine order and, as a result, invite divine retribution upon themselves and their homes.

The New Testament continues this theme, with Jesus Himself condemning false swearing. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches, "But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all... Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' Anything more comes from the evil one" (Matthew 5:34, 37). This teaching underscores the importance of integrity and truthfulness in speech, warning against the dangers of false oaths and the influence of evil.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of falsehood in his epistles. In Ephesians, he exhorts believers to "put away falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor" (Ephesians 4:25). This call to honesty is a fundamental aspect of Christian living, reflecting the transformation that comes from a life in Christ.

In summary, the Bible consistently warns against the sin of swearing falsely, emphasizing that it brings a curse upon the wicked and their households. This divine judgment serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of truthfulness and integrity in the life of a believer. The consequences of deceit are not limited to the individual but extend to their entire household, highlighting the communal impact of sin.Zechariah 5:4
I will bring it forth, said the LORD of hosts, and it shall enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him that swears falsely by my name: and it shall remain in the middle of his house, and shall consume it with the timber thereof and the stones thereof.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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

Manner of Covenanting.
... In an oath given falsely, God is defied, his power ... and judge thy servants, condemning
the wicked, to bring ... it to him for righteousness."[156] Swearing to the ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter ii manner of covenanting.htm

A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ...
... It accounts for the wicked wit and raillery of ... to drunkenness"to whoredom"to
swearing"to lying ... Now immorality shall, with professors, be in fashion, be ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a holy life the beauty.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of ...
... him how he did: he, after his old swearing and mad ... Sometimes also he would cast in
such wicked thoughts as ... I can pull you from this fire; I shall have you cold ...
/.../bunyan/grace abounding to the chief of sinners/grace abounding to the chief.htm

Some Gospel Truths Opened, According to the Scriptures; Or, the ...
... it will convince of sin, as swearing, lying, stealing ... own innocency and uprightness,
into those wicked inventions that ... The Messias, or Saviour, shall bring in ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/some gospel truths opened according.htm

A Few Sighs from Hell;
... fearing nothing, being fully, yet falsely, persuaded of ... their whole life, in whoring,
swearing, playing, coveting ... thy happiness begins, where wicked men's end ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a few sighs from hell.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
... than to any other, but he being a most wicked creature for ... him how he did; he, after
his old swearing and mad ... if I do so, thought I, then I shall count myself ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/grace abounding to the chief.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... and sinful swearing is a light and wicked calling of ... and yet in so saying 'swear
falsely'; because he ... But this was none of Mr. Badman's swearing, and therefore ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... finds herself under the dominion of a swearing dare devil ... and sing as others did,
yet retaining my wicked life; but ... and that 'the Book of Sports shall be seized ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... and from the way thereto, hath this wicked man turned ... flowing only from the flesh,
should have the prevalency ... Shall I not be abandoned for this, and sent back ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

Should a Christian make a promise? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Jacob in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was John Chrysostom? | GotQuestions.org

Swearing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus