The Foolish Spurn His Name

99. Q. What is required in the third commandment?

A. We are not to blaspheme or to abuse the name of God
by cursing, perjury, or unnecessary oaths,
nor to share in such horrible sins by being silent bystanders.
Rather, we must use the holy name of God only with fear and reverence,
so that we may rightly confess him, call upon him,
and praise him in all our words and works.

100. Q. Is the blaspheming of God's name by swearing and cursing
     such a grievous sin that God is angry also with those
     who do not prevent and forbid it as much as they can?

A. Certainly, for no sin is greater
or provokes God's wrath more than the blaspheming of his name.
That is why he commanded it to be punished with death.