Q: What is God's will for us in the third commandment?
A: That we neither blaspheme nor misuse the name of God
by cursing,1 perjury,2 or unnecessary oaths,3
nor share in such horrible sins
by being silent bystanders.4
In a word, it requires
that we use the holy name of God
only with reverence and awe,5
so that we may properly
confess him,6
pray to him,7
and praise him in everything we do and say.8
1 Lev. 24:10-17
2 Lev. 19:12
3 Matt. 5:37; James 5:12
4 Lev. 5:1; Prov. 29:24
5 Ps. 99:1-5; Jer. 4:2
6 Matt. 10:32-33; Rom. 10:9-10
7 Ps. 50:14-15; 1 Tim. 2:8
8 Col. 3:17
Q: Is blasphemy of God's name by swearing and cursing really such serious sin that God is angry also with those who do not do all they can to help prevent it and forbid it?
A: Yes, indeed.1
No sin is greater,
no sin makes God more angry
than blaspheming his name.
That is why he commanded the death penalty for it.2
1 Lev. 5:1
2 Lev. 24:10-17