¹¹ “‘You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.

Taking God’s name in vain means to attach His name to an oath or promise that will be intentionally left unfulfilled. Taking the Lord’s name in vain is the worst way to reflect being led by Him. Using God’s name to intentionally deceive someone is completely contradictory to God Himself and a poor reflection of God to this world. If you know God you are meant to reflect His light and shine on a world filled with darkness. This commandment could lead to much more guidance than seems apparent. The words of your mouth show the content of your heart. A changed heart in Jesus should be reflected in the content of your words. Purity of speech shows the outward reflection of a circumcised heart. Clean speech also shows intelligence and self-control. Being led by The Creator means you have the most intelligent guide possible. Evident self-control is not what we should strive for, it’s the relinquishing of control to God who controls all and leads us. Being led by God and giving Him control of our lives will be reflected in pure, controlled, and loving speech. We should have words that build up those around us and honor God. (James 3:2) ² For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.