This series explores the Ten Commandments through the words and admonishments of Arthur Pink.
“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.” Exodus 20:7
The second Commandment directs us to worship God in a manner that reflects His will, requiring us to approach Him with sincerity, humility, and reverence. This aligns with the biblical injunction to “Fear this glorious and fearful name, THE LORD THY GOD” (Deuteronomy 28:58). We should hold profound respect for God, recognizing the majesty of His name. As John Calvin explained, this commandment states “the Lord will have the majesty of His name to be held inviolably sacred by us.”
When discussing God, we must do so with utmost seriousness. This commandment encompasses the full breadth of how we understand and refer to God, including His Word, titles, attributes, ordinances, and works. Essentially, God’s Name represents His very essence. In some contexts, God’s Name also symbolizes the entire system of Divine Truth, as in “we will walk in the name of the Lord Our God for ever and ever.” Micah 4:5.
The Name of God pertains to how He is known and addressed by us. To “take His Name” involves engaging with it in our thoughts, speech, and actions. Therefore, not taking His Name “in vain” means treating it with the highest respect and using it rightfully in all aspects of our lives.
This commandment emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and utilizing the Name of God, especially considering the numerous and gracious revelations He has provided about Himself. Those who avoid religious engagement and are uninterested in learning about matters related to God’s glory are essentially neglecting the Most High. We honor God’s Name in various ways: through public worship, private prayer, and when we take religious oaths or make solemn vows.
This commandment explicitly forbids any disrespectful or dishonorable thoughts about God. It prohibits frivolous, profane, or blasphemous references to Him, irreverent handling of His Word, complaints against His providence, and the misuse of anything that reveals His presence.
There are several ways to take the Lord’s name in vain. The first way is when we use it without a meaningful purpose. There are only two justifiable reasons to use any of God’s names, titles, or attributes: to honor His glory and to educate ourselves and others. Anything beyond these reasons is trivial and wrong. God considers it a great offense when His name is used for trivial or idle reasons.
We take His name in vain when we mention it without proper thought and respect. When speaking of God, before whom even the seraphim cover their faces, we should deeply reflect on His infinite majesty and glory, and approach His Name with the utmost humility and reverence. This is the Name of the One who is always with you, listening as you speak it. God values His honor highly and will sternly respond to those who disrespect Him.
We take His name in vain when we use it hypocritically, claiming to be His followers while not truly living as such. This was the case with ancient Israel — they spoke God’s Name but failed to follow His teachings, thereby breaking the Third Commandment.
We also commit this sin when we perform religious duties without genuine engagement or emotion. Mere lip service in prayer, without corresponding actions, is akin to blasphemy. Speaking to God while our hearts are detached is a mockery of Him and only serves to increase our condemnation.
We take His name in vain when we swear casually and disrespectfully, treating His Name as casually as we would a human’s name, or when we swear falsely, committing perjury. Swearing an oath falsely is a severe sin, as it involves invoking God as a witness to a lie. Isaiah 65:16 reminds us to swear by the God of Truth, emphasizing the need for honesty in our testimonies.
It is irrational to offend God when angered by others. While society might not always condemn or punish this behavior, God does not overlook it, as stated in Psalm 109:17-18. God takes this sin very seriously, and our country bears significant guilt for the widespread occurrence of this offense.
It is almost impossible to walk through the streets or be in a diverse group without hearing God’s sacred Name being disrespected. Modern novels, theater, radio, television, movies, and the media are major culprits in this offense. Reflecting on the past, God warned Israel in Jeremiah 23:10 about the consequences of swearing and cursing, noting that such actions brought mourning upon the land.
And He is still the same: “The Lord will not hold him guiltless that takes His Name in vain.” Sore punishment shall be his portion, if not in this life, then most assuredly so, eternally so, in the life to come.
Arthur W. Pink, born in Nottingham, England, in 1886, pastored churches in Colorado, California, Kentucky, and South Carolina. He moved to Sydney, Australia, and then returned to England in 1934. Pink relocated to Lewis, Scotland, in 1940 and remained there until his death in 1952 at the age of 66.
