# Above all, my brothers, "This is important, my brothers:" or "Especially, my brothers," # my brothers "my fellow believers" # do not swear "do not make an oath" or "do not make a vow" # either by heaven or by the earth The words "heaven" and "earth" refer to the spiritual or human authorities that are in heaven and earth. # let your "Yes" mean "Yes" and your "No" mean "No," "If you say "Yes" or "No," say it truthfully" # so you do not fall under judgment "so God will not punish you"