YOU SHALL NOT TAKE THE NAME OF THE LORD YOUR GOD IN VAINThe Second Commandment p…
The Second Commandment prescribes respect for the Lord’s name. Among all the words of Revelation there is one which is unique: the revealed name of God. God confides his name to those who believe in him. The gift of a name belongs to the order of trust and intimacy. “The Lord’s name is holy.” For this reason, man must not abuse it. He must keep it in mind in silent, loving adoration. He will not introduce it into his own speech except to bless, praise and glorify it.
The Second Commandment is the only commandment that, in the original form in both the Exodus and Deuteronomy accounts, comes with a curse attached:
“… for Yahweh will not leave unpunished the man who utters his name to misuse it.” Dt 5:11
“ … for Yahweh will not leave unpunished the man who utters his name to misuse it.” Ex 20:7
SCRIPTURE :
Old Testament – Deuteronomy 5:11
New Testament – Cf. Mt 5:33-37; Acts 19:13-17; Col. 3:17; Mt 22:36-38
COMMANDS:
Respect and reverence in speaking about God and holy things, the keeping of oaths and vows, promises which honour God, confession of faith, being truthful and faithful to the promises we make in God’s name
FORBIDS:
The Second Commandment condemns Blasphemy, the irreverent use of God’s name, speaking disrespectfully of holy things, false oaths and the breaking of vows, cursing and perjury
The Second Commandment forbids:
All irreverence towards God’s most holy name, such as:
1) Cursing [calling down evil on someone]
2) Profane swearing. [foul and vulgar talk; four-letter words]
3) Blasphemy [words of hatred, reproach or defiance against God; speaking ill of God, the Church, the Saints and sacred things; use of God’s name to cover up criminal practices, reduce peoples to servitude, to torture persons or put them to death]
4) False, unlawful and unnecessary oaths. [calling on God to witness the truth of what we say]
5) Membership in societies condemned by the Church [Satanic cults, Freemasonry, etc.]
6) Breaking or deferring lawful vows [promises, marriage vows, vows taken by priests and those in the religious life, vows taken by public servants, etc.
Irreverence at Mass, and in churches and holy places even when service is not going on