¹⁷ Was I fickle when I intended to do this? Or do I make my plans in a worldly manner^(A) so that in the same breath I say both “Yes, yes” and “No, no”?

³⁷ All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’;^(A) anything beyond this comes from the evil one.^[a](B)

¹² Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned.^(A)

² I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold^(A) as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world.^{(B) 3} For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.^(C)

¹⁸ But as surely as God is faithful,^(A) our message to you is not “Yes” and “No.” ¹⁹ For the Son of God,^(B) Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me and Silas^[a](C) and Timothy^(D)—was not “Yes” and “No,” but in him it has always^(E) been “Yes.” ²⁰ For no matter how many promises^(F) God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen”^(G) is spoken by us to the glory of God.^(H)

³² Indeed, I am against those who prophesy false dreams,^(A)” declares the Lord. “They tell them and lead my people astray^(B) with their reckless lies,^(C) yet I did not send^(D) or appoint them. They do not benefit^(E) these people in the least,” declares the Lord.

Paul’s Change of Plans

¹² Now this is our boast: Our conscience^(A) testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, with integrity^[a](B) and godly sincerity.^(C) We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom^(D) but on God’s grace.

¹⁵ You judge by human standards;^(A) I pass judgment on no one.^(B)