The Third Commandment: “Thou Shalt Not Take the Name of the LORD Thy God in Vain”
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The Third Commandment: “Thou Shalt Not Take the Name of the LORD Thy God in Vain”
Many people think this commandment only means not using God’s name as a curse word. But it means much more. As a counselor, I often see people speak about God in careless ways—using His name without respect, honesty, or obedience.
Third Commandment requires us to use God’s name with holy fear and reverence. This includes how we speak about God, how we represent Him, and how we live as His people.
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What the Third Commandment Means
To take God’s name “in vain” means to use it lightly, falsely, or without meaning.
This includes:
Using God’s name as a joke or expression
Claiming God’s name while living in disobedience
Speaking for God when He has not spoken
The Bible says, “Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless” (Exodus 20:7 KJV).
God’s name represents His character. How we use His name shows how we value Him.
Why This Commandment Matters Today
Words shape trust. Psychology shows that when people misuse names and promises, trust breaks down. The same is true spiritually.
When people claim to follow God but live in dishonesty or cruelty, others become confused about who God is. This commandment protects God’s reputation and protects people from hypocrisy.
A Bible Story: Eli’s Sons
In 1 Samuel 2 KJV, Eli’s sons were priests who served in God’s house. They used their position for selfish gain and lived in sin. Though they spoke God’s name and served in holy places, their lives dishonored Him.
Because Eli did not correct them, God judged his household. This story shows that using God’s name without obedience leads to serious consequences.
Taking communion without believing or honoring in Jesus Christ has cause many to die or be sick.
29For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. 30For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.
Some countries have mocked God with parades and used his name in vain or rewrote the bible to show Jesus Christ in a negative way. They have suffered greatly: floods, sickness, financial ruin, war etc…
Galatians 6:7 KJV “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
A man who often used God’s name to manipulate others or to justify hurtful actions said, “God told me,” When challenged, he became defensive. Over time, he realized he was using God’s name to avoid responsibility.
As he learned humility and honesty, his relationships improved. He learned that honoring God’s name means speaking truthfully and living faithfully.
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What Obeying the Third Commandment Looks Like
Obeying this commandment means:
Speaking God’s name with respect
Living in a way that reflects God’s character
Being honest about faith struggles
Repenting when words and actions do not match
God’s name is honored not just by words, but by lives that reflect truth.
How This Commandment Heals Relationships
I see healing when people speak truth with accountability and repentance. Read scripture and repeat the word of God respectifull for his word does return to him void. Trust grows when words and actions align.
Honoring God’s name teaches people to:
Speak carefully
Act responsibly
Represent faith with humility
Grace When We Fail
All believers fall short. God offers forgiveness when we misuse His name. He invites repentance and teaches us to speak and live with truth.
Reflection Question
✔️Do your words and actions honor God’s name in everyday life?
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Next in the Series
👉 Post 9: The Fourth Commandment — “Remember the Sabbath Day, to Keep It Holy”
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A CALL TO SALVATION:
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Romans 10:9-109That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation.
John 3:5-65Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7
