“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain [that is, irreverently, in false affirmations or in ways that impugn the character of God]; for the Lord will not hold guiltless nor leave unpunished the one who takes His name in vain [disregarding its reverence and its power].

For there are many other words that increase futility. What then is the advantage for a man?

But I tell you, on the day of judgment people will have to give an accounting for every careless or useless word they speak.

Remind the people of these facts, and solemnly charge them in the presence of God to avoid petty controversy over words, which does no good, and [upsets and undermines and] ruins [the faith of] those who listen.

“Behold, you are trusting in deceptive and useless words that bring no benefit.

and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the [humanly] wise, that they are useless.”

For even though they knew God [as the Creator], they did not honor Him as God or give thanks [for His wondrous creation]. On the contrary, they became worthless in their thinking [godless, with pointless reasonings, and silly speculations], and their foolish heart was darkened.

Why are the nations in an uproar [in turmoil against God],
And why do the people devise a vain and hopeless plot?

You have turned Your back on all those who wander from Your statutes,
For their deceitfulness is useless.