7 You shall not take the name of the Lord, your God, in vain, for the Lord will not leave unpunished those who use his name in vain. (Exodus 20:7)
The Second Commandment reminds us that there are two main ways in which we can take the name of the Lord in vain: first, by using it in a curse or in an irreverent manner, as in a joke; and second, by using it in an oath or promise that we do not intend to keep. In both cases, we do not show God the reverence and honor that He deserves.
Why Is Taking the Lord’s Name in Vain Wrong? (7:11)
Here are the Catholic Ten Commandments:
- I am the LORD your God. You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only shall you serve.
- You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
- Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day.
- Honor your father and your mother.
- You shall not kill.
- You shall not commit adultery.
- You shall not steal.
- You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
- You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife.
- You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.
