“For God is my witness.” (Philippians 1:8)

“For God is my witness.” (Philippians 1:8)

The above verse and sentiment from scripture has morphed into the common modern expressions, “I swear to God” or “God’s honest truth.” We have all used these when telling of something unbelievable or quite shocking, and our courts of law continue to use it within its proceedings as one puts their hand upon the Bible and swears before God to tell the truth. 

However, in both instances, the idea is that one should never invoke this saying lightly, callously, or flippantly. Adding “I swear to God,” at the end of outrageous statements to make them seem more credible is wrong. Swearing upon the Name of God is a serious oath, not just a cheap tagline. One must never use it if they do not intend what they speak or testify to, to be the truth, otherwise they are simply “using” God to bluff, which makes a mockery of both God and Truth.

Fr. John