Profanity, as defined as - "an offensive word" or "offensive language". It is also called bad language, strong language, coarse language, foul language, bad words, vulgar language, lewd language, swearing, cursing, cussing, choice words or using expletives.
In its older, more literal sense, the term "profanity" refers to "offensive words, or religious words", used in a way that shows the user does not respect "God or holy things", or behavior showing similar disrespect.
Controlling the Tongue
James 3:5-6 In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.
So the question is; should Christians curse? I hope this is a no-brainer for Christians, because it is not okay to swear using bad language and especially using God’s name in cuss words or swearing.
Our mouths can either build up or tear down. Meaning, we should be very careful of what we say. This warning includes the dangers of gossip and lies, but also cursing. Is it cool these days to be a Christian who swears? Does it give the curser an "I'm into Jesus, but I'm not legalistic" badge?
Everyone has slips of the tongue. Even Christians sometimes say things that they later regret. The Bible is full of stories about people saying things that they regretted saying. A moment of anger gets the best of all of us. Unfortunately, it only takes one moment of anger to wipe out seven years of being a good example. James warns us about the power of the tongue: James 1:26 “Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.”
I know as a Christian I do not want someone to be discouraged with their walk with the Lord because of my language.
Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29
Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior. 2 Timothy 2:16
Our society’s comfort level with offensive language and content has drastically shifted over the past few decades. Cussing, it seems, is becoming very much mainstream.
Today's society has taken profanity to a whole new level, as if its backbone has absolutely no merit. Why does it have to be used so often, and so forcefully? It's used in movies, plays, television shows, video games, right down to cartoons. Why does it seem like profanity is the most chosen way to get a point across nowadays? There are so many words in thousands of dictionaries. Do you mean to tell me that there aren't any other words besides profanity, which will be just as effective? Profanity seems to be glorified to the point that teenagers think it's actually COOL.
However, when such smut is coming from the mouths of teenagers, pre-teens, and as young as toddlers; that puts a whole new spin on them. They are spewing profanity like a fountain overflowing with liquid filth, hatred, hostility, aggression, etc. In addition, many public school children are using those words so forcefully, without actually knowing the meaning of the words they're using. They don't seem to think about, or care whether or not their parent/parents or any other grown-up may hear them.
Euphemisms
What about euphemisms? You know, a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing.
You know them; “pissed off “, “darn”, “what the eff?”, "what the heck?” What about using letters? SOB, BS, WTF, and OMG. You know them, are these profanity? Are you literally using these as substitutes? Still mean the same thing, right?
When people say “gheeze” or jeewiz, they are actually substituting these words as euphemisms. These are euphemisms for Jesus’ name. How about the euphemism “Gosh”? This too is a euphemism for “God”. It is no different than taking God’s name and using it in a useless or vain way.
Is this pleasing to God or even helping others? What does the world see when they know we are Christians and we curse? Foul language of any sort should never pass a Christian’s lips, because it is totally out of character with our new life in Christ.
Cursing is a failure to follow the Lord’s greatest commandments—to love God and to love people. When we curse an individual, we do not love people and when we curse God, we do not love Him.
So what words can we use? Follow this rule: Profanity can be defined as any word used against someone or something in hatred.
Words of Grace
When given the choice, choose to speak what is good. Not flattery which is insincere and is like being a false witness, but by sincere compliments. Words can be the spice of life or the pall of death.
There many scriptures in Proverbs that can be looked at.
Proverbs 31:26 “She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness.”
Proverbs 15:1 “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Proverbs 11:9 “With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous escape.”
Proverbs 12:18 “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
Proverbs 12:25 “Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.”
Proverbs 16:21 “The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction.”
Proverbs 16:22-23 “The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction. Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
The next time you feel anger boiling up inside of you and you feel you are about to say something out loud like a euphemism, an angry word, or something you might regret, hide this verse in your heart:
Colossians 4:6 “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
Final 2 thoughts:
“The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians: who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, walk out the door, and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable.” Brennan Manning
Matthew 12:36 And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak.
No comments:
Post a Comment