But let your answer be “yes, yes” or “no, no”… (Matthew 5:37)

Although taken captive as children, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah were so wise that as adults, they were put over the affairs of the Babylon province. Then King Nebuchadnezzar, whom they served, built a gold image of some 100 feet high and placed it in their province. He invited the empire’s leaders to the dedication of the image and gave a command that when a tribute of music sounded, all should fall down and worship the golden image. Whoever failed to do so was to be thrown into a giant furnace.

The music played and all fell face down before the image…all, that is, except Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. They were Jews, and had been taught from earliest memory never to worship a graven image. Word of their refusal quickly reached the king, and in a rage, the king summoned them. The three men did not hesitate in saying to the king, “We will not serve your gods, nor worship the golden image.”

Furious, the king ordered the three to be cast in the giant furnace heated seven times hotter than usual, only to find that the fire had no effect on them. They emerged unscorched! The “no” of these faithful men resulted in the king decreeing that no person in the land would speak anything against the God they worshiped. And Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah—whom the king had named Shadrach, Mesach and Abed-Nego—were promoted in their province.

If the answer you intend to give in a certain situation is “no,” make it mean something. In today’s world, many people accept it as an acronym for “Negotiations Open” and it is not that. When you stand by your word, God will stand behind you to back what you say.

Holy Creator of Truth, grant us the courage to mean what we say and to say what we mean. May our “no” be taken for what it is intended!