When President Julius Maada Bio, his appointees, and others in his government took over as leaders of the state, they were all subjected to taking an oath, either on the Bible or the Quran depending on one’s religious leanings. Oaths were made to God and the people through campaign promises that are all expected to be fulfilled.
Regardless of whether you are Christian, Jew, or Muslim, the Lord requires people to keep their oaths to him. This is especially true of our leaders who are expected to set a moral example for the people to follow. It must be recalled that in the same way parents influence a child based on his or her upbringing, our political leaders also influence how the society behaves. If the leaders are lawless, then you don’t expect the people to behave any different. Consequently if they are righteous and make conscience efforts to set good leadership examples, then they influence the society in this direction.
In Sierra Leone based on how our governance narrative has played out since the advent of the PAOPA faction of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) it is easy to say that our leaders have not kept their oaths to God to serve the people with distinction, “So help me God!”
God expects leaders to keep their oaths. Both the Old and New Testaments emphasise the importance of fulfilling promises and oaths, viewing them as binding commitments before God. Leaders, in particular, are held to a high standard of integrity and are expected to be truthful and trustworthy in their words and actions.
In many religious and cultural contexts, oaths are considered sacred and carry significant weight. Breaking an oath is seen as a violation of trust and a betrayal of one’s word. Leaders are entrusted with the well-being and guidance of others, and their actions have a profound impact. Therefore, they are expected to set an example of integrity and faithfulness.
The Bible portrays God as faithful and trustworthy, and He expects His followers, including leaders, to reflect His character. This includes keeping promises and oaths, as a demonstration of one’s commitment to God and others.
While there may be exceptions, such as an oath that contradicts God’s word, generally, breaking an oath is seen as a serious offense. In some traditions, it can lead to consequences, both in this life and the next. The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who made oaths and were expected to keep them, including God Himself. Numbers 30:2 specifically states that a person must do everything they have promised. Matthew 5:33-37 emphasises the importance of keeping one’s word, with Jesus stating that one’s yes should be yes and their no, no.
In the biblical context, oaths hold significant weight as solemn promises or vows made before God and others. The importance of keeping oaths is underscored throughout Scripture, reflecting the character of God as faithful and true, and the expectation that His people mirror these attributes in their own lives.
The Old Testament lays a foundational understanding of the gravity of oaths. In Numbers 30:2, it is stated, “When a man makes a vow to the LORD or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he must not break his word; he must do everything he has promised.” This verse highlights the expectation that oaths made to God are binding and must be fulfilled. The seriousness of oaths is further emphasised in Deuteronomy 23:21: “If you make a vow to the LORD your God, do not be slow to keep it, because He will surely require it of you, and it would be sin against you.”
The narrative of Jephthah in Judges 11 illustrates the potential consequences of rash vows. Jephthah made a vow to the LORD, which led to tragic results. This account serves as a cautionary tale about the careful consideration required before making oaths.
The wisdom literature also addresses the importance of keeping oaths. Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 advises, “When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it, because He takes no pleasure in fools. Fulfil your vow. It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfil it.” This passage underscores the foolishness of making vows lightly and the importance of integrity in fulfilling them.
The prophets, too, speak to the issue of oaths. In Jeremiah, the prophet condemns the people of Judah for breaking their covenant with God, which included the release of Hebrew slaves. Their failure to keep their oath resulted in severe consequences, demonstrating that God holds His people accountable for their promises.
In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the issue of oaths in the Sermon on the Mount. Matthew 5: 33-37 records His teaching: “Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients, do not break your oath, but fulfil your vows to the Lord.’ But I tell you not to swear at all… Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ Anything more comes from the evil one.” Jesus emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and integrity, suggesting that one’s word should be sufficient without the need for additional oaths.
The Apostle James echoes this teaching in James 5:12 : “Above all, my brothers, do not swear, not by heaven or earth or by any other oath. Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No,’ so that you will not fall under judgment.” This reinforces the call for Christians to be people of their word, reflecting the faithfulness of God in their own lives.
Theologically, the importance of keeping oaths is rooted in the nature of God as a covenant-keeping deity. God’s faithfulness to His promises is a central theme throughout Scripture, and His people are called to emulate this attribute. The keeping of oaths is not merely a legalistic requirement but a reflection of one’s relationship with God and commitment to His standards of truth and integrity.
In summary, the biblical teaching on oaths underscores the importance of truthfulness, integrity, and the serious nature of promises made before God. The consistent message across both Testaments is that God’s people are to be trustworthy, reflecting His character in their commitments and interactions with others. Lonta!