"Thou shalt not utter the name of the L-rd thy G-d in vain; for the L-rd will not hold guiltless that taketh His name in vain." (Exodus 20:7)

 

      I think I changed my mind.

      Maybe we should post the Ten Commandments everywhere.

      But in Hebrew.

      And with commentary.

Some people really do need to heed those words today.

 Specifically, the Third Commandment.

    

      The Third Commandment in Hebrew reads rather differently than how it is found in standard English translations. "Lo tissa", often translated as "Thou shalt not utter", is more accurately translated as "Thou shalt not lift up the name of G-d in vain". That translation helps me understand the thinking of the great 20th century philosopher Martin Buber. He did not see this commandment as a prohibition of "uttering" G-d's name in the form of a false oath.That is actually better expressed with the Ninth Commandment ("Thou shalt not bear false witness" where one testifies in court by swearing in the name of G-d). Rather, Buber saw this commandment as a warning to those who "desire to ascend G-d's holy mount" and claim the title of "Follower of the L-rd", lifting up the name of G-d as they do, but in ways that destroy G-d's presence in this world. In vain.

    Who lifts up the name of G-d in vain?

    Seems to me, those are people who at every opportunity proclaim the greatness of the name of G-d and yet by their actions cause G-d to be reviled and hated. You know who I am talking about. Those who lift up G-d's name while expressing hate for others.  Who preach violence in the name of G-d. Who proudly bear the name of G-d and yet, their words and deeds drip with venom for those who are different.

     Destroying G-d's presence in the world each time they lift up and proclaim G-d's name.

     I always wondered why of all the Commandments, this is the only one with "for the L-rd will not hold one guiltless that lift up His name in vain." Why does this one bother the Holy One so much?

     Because violating this commandment turns people away from G-d.

     Permanently.

     And in droves.

     I can't begin to count how many people have told me they have left a religion because of such people. In fact, I can't recall ever meeting a single person who has drawn closer to G-d after an encounter with such people.

     Conversely, I have met countless souls who discovered G-d after being invited by a Jewish follower to a warm Shabbat meal. I know of new adherents to Allah after being befriended by a kind Muslim family or imam. I have friends who now are close to Jesus and the church because they met Christians involved in providing clothing to children and feeding the needy.

     Those individuals do more than lift up the name of 

G-d; they raise their arms and reach out in love. They do G-d's heavy lifting in this world.  

      Doing much more than just revering the Ten Commandments but living them in ways that bring more people to them and to G-d.