Definition: Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 5:36. It’s a really important message about honesty and speaking truthfully. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Essentially, the verse is saying: Don't make promises you can't keep. Let’s unpack that a little further: “Neither shalt thou swear” : This means you shouldn’t make vows or commitments that are impossible to fulfill. It’s not about being dishonest in every situation, but about making something that’s inherently unreliable. “by thy head” : This is the tricky part. “Thy head” refers to your face – your appearance. It's a reminder that our words and actions are visible. What does this have to do with honesty? The Bible often uses imagery of things being white or black to represent truth and falsehood. When we make a promise, it’s like saying something is true (white). If we can’t keep that promise (black), then our word isn't reliable. Why is this important in the Bible? Jesus often uses stories about people who made promises they couldn't keep to illustrate this point. He wants us to be honest with ourselves and others. It’s a reminder of the importance of integrity – being true to your word, even when it’s difficult. In short, the verse encourages us to be truthful in our words and actions because they are visible to everyone. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give an example of how this principle applies to everyday life?