Exodus 20:7 (ESV)
You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.
When did you last hear God’s name taken in vain (in Hebrew, shav: in emptiness or deceit, falsely, in a worthless manner)?
- Jesus Christ as a swear, not a prayer
- OMG, I hear it all the time!
Whisper a quick prayer for the person misusing God’s name. Your words will not be in vain.
Sometimes the Name used seemingly
in vain, is really used in prayer,
for the only thing can meaningfully
describe the moment is to swear.
I’d like to think He understands,
and cuts us all some needed slack,
for frightened minds and shaking hands
can’t take the words right back.
I can forgive the hard coarse men
whose words are thus full-laced,
but what of those whose loud AMEN!
hath the Prosperity Gospel graced?
For all their Rolex-ed piety,
they may be nearer hell than me.
Good point, Andrew. Sometimes God alone knows when a swear is actually a prayer.
I hope He does!