Blasphemy Is Not a Slip of the Tongue

Yes, we should try and control what we say,

And think about our words before we speak.

But blasphemy is not a slip‑up.

It is done on purpose.

When we say something that sounds blasphemous

Because we have a speech impairment,

That is probably not blasphemous,

For the fault is in the impairment, not the intention.

We must try to control our tongues,

And not let our tongues speak filthy language

As much as we are able.

But still, real blasphemy is done on purpose,

Not by accident,

Not by speech impairment,

Not by mental illnesses.

In other words,

True blasphemy is deliberate.

It requires thinking about it

Before it is said.

It requires planning

To say the Lord’s name in vain

Not just an accidental slip‑up

Or a speech impairment

But thinking about saying the Lord’s name in vain,

Then saying it.

Amen