We are here introduced to the oath, one of the most sacred and solemn matters in antiquity. The oath was an attestation of the truthfulness and veracity of one’s word or of an action in question. From the beginning it was socially and culturally inappropriate to break an oath; the Book of Mormon records an instance of even wicked and bloodthirsty persons refusing to enter into an oath that they knew they would thereafer break (see Alma 44:8).
From the earliest ages God has chosen to enter into covenant with man. To dramatize the reality of what would appear to be incomprehensible blessings, for example, God swore with an oath to all who receive the Melchizedek Priesthood that the promised rewards will be forthcoming, based upon individual righteousness (JST Genesis 14:25-40; D&C 84:33-44).
“As We Live”
Oaths can also be abused, and not infrequently persons entered into secret oaths to perpetuate wickedness. Cain entered into an oath with Satan that he would not reveal the “great secret”—that one may murder and profit therefrom (Moses 5:29-31). The Gadianton bands of the later Nephite history operated by oaths and secret ceremonies and thus perpetuated those practices established in the earliest ages by Cain and Satan (see Alma 37; Helaman 2, 6).
When the Savior ministered in mortality, he called for a higher righteousness; mankind having abused the oath, the Lord specifically challenged men to let their word be their bond. If a man says yes, let him mean yes; if he says no, let him mean no. Oaths should not be necessary in a Christian society, for honesty and integrity should be the order of the day. (See Matthew 5:33-37; 3 Nephi 12:33-37.)