Using God's Name Thoughtlessly

The third commandment: “You shall not use the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who uses His name in vain” (Exodus 20:7).

“In vain” does not mean maliciously. “In vain” means thoughtlessly or in an empty or common way. People think they are not using God's name in vain because they did not “mean it.” Not meaning it is using His name in vain. That is the definition of “in vain.”

God will not hold you guiltless for this. In other words, He will hold you guilty for "not meaning it.” Your non-motive makes you guilty.

“But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted and by your words you will be condemned” (Matt. 12:36-37).

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