Without a doubt, when James issues a command against swearing or frivolous oaths as a follow up to his commands not to speak against others and not to complain about others, he adopts Psalm 15:2-5 — “He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness, And speak truth in his heart. He does not slander with his tongue, Nor does evil to his neighbor, Nor takes up a reproach against his friend; In whose eyes a reprobate is despised, But who honors those who fear the Lord; He swears to his own hurt and does not change; He does not put out his money at interest, Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.” Note the similarity of themes between James’ epistle and Psalm 15:2-5: speaking truth, not slandering, keeping oaths, not defrauding others, and using money well. Thus, in verse twelve, James addresses the issue of the power of integrity. Integrity is powerful because it dictates one’s words and determines one’s judgment.
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