But though there is far too much of this frivolous, familiar use of God’s name, the commandment is broken a great deal more by profanity. Taking the name of God in vain is blasphemy. Is there a swearing man who reads this? What would you do if you were put into the balances of the sanctuary, if you had to step in opposite to this third commandment? Think a moment. Have you been taking God’s name in vain to-day?

I do not believe men would ever have been guilty of swearing unless God had forbidden it. They do not swear by their friends, their fathers or mothers, their wives or children. They want to show how they despise God’s law.

A great many men think there is nothing in swearing. Bear in mind that God sees something wrong in it, and He says He will not hold men guiltless, even though society does.

I met a man sometime ago who told me he had never sinned in his life. He was the first perfect man I had ever met. I thought I would question him, and began to measure him by the law. I asked him: “Do you ever get angry?” “Well,” he said, “sometimes I do; but I have a right to do so. It is righteous indignation.” “Do you swear when you get angry?” He admitted he did sometimes. “Then,” I asked, “are you ready to meet God?” “Yes,” he replied, “because I never mean anything when I swear.”

Suppose I steal a man’s watch and he comes after me.

“Yes,” I say, “I stole your watch and pawned it, but I did not mean anything by it. I pawned it and spent the money, but I did not mean anything by it.”

You would smile at and deride such a statement.

Ah, friends! You cannot trifle with God in that way. Even if you swear without meaning it, it is forbidden by God. Christ said: “Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give an account thereof in the day of judgment; for by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” You will be held accountable whether your words are idle or blasphemous.