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Book of Zechariah - Chapter 8 - Verse 17

8:17
And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour; and love no false oath: for all these are things that I hate, saith the LORD.

Meaning

The verse "And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour; and love no false oath: for all these are things that I hate, saith the LORD" from the book of Zechariah reminds believers of the importance of honesty and goodwill towards others. In this verse, there is a clear message against harboring ill intentions towards one's neighbor and engaging in deceitful actions such as making false oaths. The verse emphasizes that these actions are detestable to the Lord, highlighting the values of integrity, kindness, and sincerity in our interactions with others. By following these principles, individuals can cultivate a community built on trust, respect, and compassion. Ultimately, the verse serves as a moral compass, guiding believers to uphold righteousness and avoid behaviors that can harm relationships and erode trust.

Theological Overview

This verse from the book of Zechariah emphasizes the importance of integrity and honesty in our relationships with others. The theological interpretation of this verse reveals that God detests evil intentions toward our neighbors and false oaths. These actions go against the principles of love and truth that the Lord values. By instructing us to refrain from imagining evil in our hearts and avoiding deceitful oaths, God is highlighting the significance of maintaining pure intentions and speaking truthfully. The word study of "imagine evil" and "false oath" further emphasizes the idea of harboring ill will and making deceptive promises. This verse serves as a reminder to strive for righteousness in our interactions with others, showing love and respect rather than engaging in deceitful behavior. Ultimately, by following these guidelines, we demonstrate our commitment to honoring God's commandments and upholding the values of integrity and honesty.

American Standard Version

and let none of you devise evil in your hearts against his neighbor; and love no false oath: for all these are things that I hate, saith Jehovah.
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