The Third Commandment

(Exodus 20:7) "Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain."

The third commandment addresses our attitude and approach to God. Simply put, the name of God should be honored and protected. God's name should never be used for any idle or insincere purpose. How often is God's name used to curse or as an expression of anger, and frustration! Often He is the subject of jokes and frivolous conversation. To use God's name with such disregard for His character, authority, and person is to elevate oneself above God. What person under the authority of God would speak of, or refer to, their holy King in this way?

(Proverbs 30:4) "Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell?"

(Philippians 2:9-11) "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."