Lord’s Day 36
Q100. Is misusing God's name by swearing and cursing really such a serious sin that God is angry even with those who do nothing to stop it?
Yes, indeed. No sin is greater or makes God more angry than misusing his name. That is why he commanded such a severe punishment for it.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Leviticus 5:1
“And if a soul sin, and hear the voice of swearing, and a witness, whether he hath seen or known ; if he do not utter , then he shall bear his iniquity.”
Leviticus 24:10–17
“And the son of an Israelitish woman, whose father an Egyptian, went out among the children of Israel: and this son of the Israelitish and a man of Israel strove together in the camp; And the Israelitish woman's son blasphemed the name , and cursed. And they brought him unto Moses: (and his mother's name Shelomith, the daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan:) And they put him in ward, that the mind of the LORD might be shewed them. And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Bring forth him that hath cursed without the camp; and let all that heard lay their hands upon his head, and let all the congregation stone him. And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, Whosoever curseth his God shall bear his sin. And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name , shall be put to death. And he that killeth any man shall surely be put to death.”
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
How serious does God say it is to misuse his name?
- 2
Why does God hold people responsible when they hear others misuse his name and say nothing?
- 3
What could you say if a friend uses God's name as a swear word?
Illustration
If someone spray-painted insults on your family's house and your neighbor watched and said nothing, you would be hurt by both people. God takes notice when his name is dragged through the mud, and he also takes notice when his people stand by silently.
Application
If you hear someone misuse God's name this week, you could gently say, "That name means a lot to me." You do not need to be harsh. A quiet word of respect for God honors him.