34. But here is what I tell you. Do not make any promises like that at all. Do not make them in the name of heaven. That is God's throne.
35. Do not make them in the name of the earth. That is the stool for God's feet. Do not make them in the name of Jerusalem. That is the city of the Great King.
36. And do not take an oath in the name of your head. You can't make even one hair white or black.
37. "Just let your 'Yes' mean 'Yes.' Let your 'No' mean 'No.' Anything more than this comes from the evil one.
38. "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye must be put out for an eye. A tooth must be knocked out for a tooth.' (Exodus 21:24; Leviticus 24:20; Deuteronomy 19:21)
39. But here is what I tell you. Do not fight against an evil person. "Suppose someone hits you on your right cheek. Turn your other cheek to him also.
40. Suppose someone takes you to court to get your shirt. Let him have your coat also.
41. Suppose someone forces you to go one mile. Go two miles with him.
42. "Give to the one who asks you for something. Don't turn away from the one who wants to borrow something from you.
43. "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor. (Leviticus 19:18) Hate your enemy.'
44. But here is what I tell you. Love your enemies. Pray for those who hurt you.
45. Then you will be sons of your Father who is in heaven. "He causes his sun to shine on evil people and good people. He sends rain on those who do right and those who don't.
46. "If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Even the tax collectors do that.
47. If you greet only your own people, what more are you doing than others? Even people who are ungodly do that.