Which of the Ten Commandments prohibits cursing and swearing?

Which of the Ten Commandments prohibits cursing and swearing?

• A. You shall not steal.
• B. You shall not murder.
• C. You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.
• D. Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.

Answer: (C)

Cursing and swearing relate to honoring God’s name. When people use the Lord’s name as a swear word or speak it in a casual, empty, or disrespectful way, they are not treating His name as holy or reverent. This is exactly what not taking the name of the Lord your God in vain is about—speaking with reverence and avoiding misuse of God’s name in everyday language. The other commands address actions like stealing, harming others, or keeping a day of rest; they don’t address how we speak about God, so this command fits the issue of cursing and swearing best.

Cursing and swearing relate to honoring God’s name. When people use the Lord’s name as a swear word or speak it in a casual, empty, or disrespectful way, they are not treating His name as holy or reverent. This is exactly what not taking the name of the Lord your God in vain is about—speaking with reverence and avoiding misuse of God’s name in everyday language. The other commands address actions like stealing, harming others, or keeping a day of rest; they don’t address how we speak about God, so this command fits the issue of cursing and swearing best.