Yes and No.
I’ve read that “Quakers,” (not the oats), - the religious movement founded in the 17th century, were known for their plain speech. As such they avoided taking oaths in either a formal setting - such as a court, or an informal setting - in everyday speech. They sought to speak truthfully and choose their words carefully. Their yes was meant to be yes, and their no was meant to be no. And of course they took that from Jesus command to His followers.
Matthew 5:34, 37 NIV [34] But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: …[37] All you need to say is simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.
While the early Quakers emphasis on plain speech and radical truth telling is commendable, I do believe there is a place for oath taking - in rare situations, and in formal settings - such as court. However in everyday speech and general conversation there’s no need for it. …James in his letter states as much. He echoes Jesus teaching to drive home the same point:
James 5:12 NIV [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.
Woven into the conversations of my childhood were lots of oaths - especially if we were keen to convince each other that the truth was being told. Without restraint there were phrases used like: “I swear it’s true,” or “I swear on my mother’s life,” even “I swear to God.” …And a particularly gruesome one: “Cross my heart, hope to die, stick a needle in my eye.”
With adulthood vocabulary moves on and most of those childhood phrases are left in the school playground. However oath-taking has new form. With greater command of language it is all too easy to add emphasis, embellish and underline words with the same motive - to convince others the truth is being told. James would say - it’s unnecessary and will only condemn, especially if our words turn out not to be true. Simplicity will suffice. A simple yes when we mean yes, or a simple no when we mean no.
And we should certainly never invoke the name of God in such conversations. “As true as God,” “As God is my witness” etc… We’re prohibited from using God’s name lightly. Indeed any use of God’s name other than holy reverence is condemned by God Himself. It’s one of the commandments:
Exodus 20:7 NIV [7] “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.
Prayer. Heavenly Father today may I seek to speak truthfully and choose my words carefully. Help me to say what I mean and mean what I say. Amen.