### 99. 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,<sup>1</sup> perjury,<sup>2</sup> or unnecessary oaths,<sup>3</sup> nor share in such horrible sins by being silent bystanders.<sup>4</sup> In summary, we must use the holy name of God only with reverence and awe,<sup>5</sup> so that we may properly confess him,<sup>6</sup> call upon him,<sup>7</sup> and praise him in everything we do and say.<sup>8</sup>

<sup>1</sup> [Lev. 24:10-17](/get-passage/Leviticus+24:10-17)
<sup>2</sup> [Lev. 19:12](/get-passage/Leviticus+19:12)
<sup>3</sup> [Matt. 5:37](/get-passage/Matthew+5:37); [James 5:12](/get-passage/James+5:12)
<sup>4</sup> [Lev. 5:1](/get-passage/Leviticus+5:1); [Prov. 29:24](/get-passage/Proverbs+29:24)
<sup>5</sup> [Ps. 99:1-5](/get-passage/Psalms+99:1-5); [Jer. 4:2](/get-passage/Jeremiah+4:2)
<sup>6</sup> [Matt. 10:32-33](/get-passage/Matthew+10:32-33); [Rom. 10:9-10](/get-passage/Romans+10:9-10)
<sup>7</sup> [Ps. 50:14-15](/get-passage/Psalms+50:14-15); [1 Tim. 2:8](/get-passage/1+Timothy+2:8)
<sup>8</sup> [Col. 3:17](/get-passage/Colossians+3:17)