The answer is: Oaths

Matt 5:36

In Matthew 5:36, Jesus said that one cannot change the color of a single hair on their head, highlighting the impotence of human effort to control certain aspects of life. This quirky analogy points to the futility of using oaths to assert truthfulness. He’s emphasizing that trying to prove oneself by swearing oaths is unnecessary because a person’s character and integrity should stand on their own, without such embellishments.

Imagine the bustling streets of first-century Judea; oaths were bustling like the crowds, often casually tossed around, signifying higher promises in the name of God. However, these were frequently overused, leading to a cavalier attitude toward promises. Jesus calls this out by underscoring that our whole essence, our very being, can't even change the minute details – like the color of our hair! Crazy, right?

This idea echoes throughout the scriptures; James, in his epistle, advises to let your “yes” be “yes,” and your “no” be “no” (James 5:12). Isn't it fascinating how the concepts of integrity reverberate across time? Even in today’s world, integrity remains paramount. So, if we strive for authenticity and straightforwardness in our dealings, we reflect the essence of Jesus’s words, keeping promises firm and oaths unnecessary. After all, actions speak louder than words!