This is my fourth entry in my series on the word “let” in the Bible.

Matt. 5:37

Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.

There is a command here, certainly. But there is much more. Of course we should be straightforward and honest and devoid of unnecessary confusion. People should know exactly what we say and mean when we say things. That is communicating righteously.

But the word “let” again gives us insight to a deeper spiritual reality here. To “let” something means to allow it to proceed, and to not put a barrier in its way.

The reality behind this verse is that the Lord’s wisdom, that which flows from Him, is the ultimate in clarity, understanding, and honesty. If we press into Him as we are poised to answer a question, that straightforward wisdom will simply come out of us as a matter of course. If we are tempted to lie, or to tell a half-truth, or to muddy or cloud an issue, we’re not letting the beauty of the Lord’s truth come forth. We would be erecting a barrier to it and stopping up His Holy Spirit in the process.

Being clear, straightforward, and honest has its rewards in this life. It ultimately results in a good reputation and makes us a trustworthy person. But seeing that the clear wisdom of God can flow through us as we continue to abide in Christ is to be aware of a higher calling and a greater reality. We’re always called to “press on to know the Lord” (Hosea 6:3), and one of the ways He calls us to do that is to press into Him as we are faced with answering a question, and to partake of and then share the clear truth that is part of Him.

The next time you are called to give a response to a question, be clear and simple. But go one step further in pressing into the Lord and let His Spirit flow through you. If it comes from God and not from us, it will not only be clear and honest, but also filled with His grace.