Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
But above all—as swearing is utterly alien to the Christian meek "endurance" just recommended.
swear not—through impatience, to which trials may tempt you (James 5:10-11). In contrast to this stands the proper use of the tongue, James 5:13. James here refers to Matthew 5:34, etc.
let your yea be yea—Do not use oaths in your everyday conversation, but let a simple affirmative or denial be deemed enough to establish your word.
condemnation—literally, "judgment," namely, of "the Judge" who "standeth before the doors" (James 5:9).
Other Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown entries containing James 5:12:
Genesis 42:15
Matthew 5:37
2 Corinthians 1:17
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