Using God’s name in a way that is empty, irreverent, or careless

Avoiding any public mention of God’s name at all times

Only using God’s name inside formal worship services

Replacing God’s name with titles to avoid pronunciation

Always speak with reverence of God, of the saints, and of holy things

Offer animal sacrifices on appointed days

Observe silence during every prayer

Recite the entire book of Psalms monthly

Paying tithes and fasting

Taking oaths and being faithful to vows

Pilgrimages and almsgiving

Sabbath rest and festival observance

It is acceptable because the promise helps their reputation

It violates the command to be truthful in oaths and faithful to vows

It is neutral as long as no one is harmed

It fulfills the commandment by acknowledging God’s authority

A ceremonial promise made to another person without invoking any deity

A calling on God to witness the truth of what we say

A legal contract enforced by the state regardless of truth

A pledge to keep secrets between friends

A sincere apology, a public declaration, and a witness from the community

A good reason for taking the oath, conviction that the statement under oath is true, and refusal to swear to do wrong

Permission from a religious leader, a written statement, and a ceremonial ritual

Truthfulness alone without considering purpose or moral implications

Blasphemy

Perjury

Sacrilege

Bearing grudges

Swearing to complete a prank that embarrasses a classmate because friends asked

Taking an oath in court after reflecting on the importance of justice, intending to tell what one knows is true

Swearing impulsively during an argument to do whatever it takes to win

Avoiding any oath even when the law requires testimony

A lawful oath relies on human authority, while bearing false witness appeals to divine judgment

A lawful oath requires truth, good reason, and justice, whereas bearing false witness asserts untruths under oath

A lawful oath is always private, while bearing false witness is public

A lawful oath concerns promises, while bearing false witness concerns actions only

Because it disrespects civil authorities by breaking courtroom rules

Because it calls on God to bear witness to a lie, profaning God’s name and corrupting justice

Because it inconveniences witnesses who must return to court

Because it always involves theft of property

A customary promise made to a community to improve social harmony

A spontaneous feeling of devotion that needs no follow-through

A deliberate promise made to God that binds a person under pain of sin to do something pleasing to God

A symbolic gesture of faith with no moral obligation attached

Treat it as a personal goal and adjust or cancel it without moral concern

Fulfill the promise deliberately and without undue delay, recognizing a binding obligation

Delay indefinitely until it becomes convenient, since intent is what matters most

Transfer the promise to someone else to complete on their behalf

Using God's name only during formal prayer with deep reverence

Using God's name without reverence, such as to express surprise or anger

Avoiding any mention of God in everyday conversation

Substituting God's name with titles to show respect

Taking God's name in vain is never sinful under any circumstances

Taking God's name in vain is typically a lesser sin, though still a sin

Taking God's name in vain is always a mortal sin without exception

Taking God's name in vain is sinful only if it harms another person physically

First behavior is blasphemy; second is cursing

Both behaviors are cursing

First behavior is cursing; second is blasphemy

Both behaviors are blasphemy