Exodus 20:7

7 “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.

What Exodus 20:7 literally says is “Do not carry the name of the Lord in vain.” This is related to the way the high priest carries the names of the twelve tribes on his breastplate (see chapter 28) when he goes in before the Lord. He is representing the people before the Lord. And, he carries on his head the name of the Lord, so he is also representing the Lord to the people.

When Israel was told to be a kingdom of priests (see 19:5), this is their vocation—to represent the Lord to the nations. So, the third commandment is about much more than just not cussing. It certainly includes that, but more than just the words we use it’s about how we are supposed to live.

If we represent the Lord, we need to bear witness to Him and His character faithfully.

How does this change how you interact with other people today?