Although the world may acknowledge the power of one’s words, many people in the world think very little about how they actually speak. It seems that there was a time when filthy language was only used by unsavory characters and dirty stories were reserved for private conversations held by “mature” adults. Today, profanity and filthy language can be heard by all kinds of people in all kinds of places. Even people who call themselves “Christians” can be heard using foul language and telling dirty jokes.
The Bible takes a very different approach to the way we use our words. Jesus warned us to take our speech very seriously.
“But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:36-37).
Jesus says that we will give an account for every idle or careless word that proceeds from our mouth. He goes on to say that such words will determine whether we will stand justified or condemned before Him. Indeed, death and life are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21).
The reason man’s tongue is given such power is because it is an instrument of the heart (Matthew 12:33-35). The tongue is all too willing to reveal the true nature of man’s heart, and bear forth its fruit – either good or bad. As such, the continued use of bad language betrays our false claim to have put off the old man of sin (Col. 3:8). It shows that, as opposed to being transformed into the image of Christ by the renewing of our minds, we are still conformed to the world (Romans 12:2).
In addition to having an impact upon our eternal destiny, the Bible also tells us that the way we use our words will have a great impact upon our physical lives upon this earth:
“For ‘He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit’” (1 Peter 3:10).
“The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his lips…” (Proverbs 12:13).
“A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calls for blows. A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul” (Proverbs 18:6-7).
“A man’s stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth; from the produce of his lips he shall be filled” (Proverbs 18:20).
There are many ways that we can speak evil with our tongue. This article will focus upon our use of corrupt words, filthy speech, profanity, and euphemisms.
Corrupt Words
The Bible forbids the use of dirty words “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth…” (Ephesians 4:29). The word “corrupt” (“unwholesome” – NASV) means “rotten, worthless, not fit for use.” These would be the swear words, the “four-letter-words,” that are heard so often in our society today.
Not only are these types of words corrupt and rotten themselves, they have a corrupting influence upon those who hear them. A Christian should never, under any circumstances, be heard using these kinds of words.
Filthy Speech
This prohibition against using corrupt language is not limited to single words. “But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks” (Ephesians 5:3-4). The telling of dirty jokes, use of sexual innuendos, retelling of sinful exploits seen on TV, etc., is unfitting conversation for a Christian. There are some things that are shameful for Christians to even be talking about (v.12).
Profanity – Using God’s Name In Vain
The word “profane” means “to show disrespect or contempt for sacred things, to put to a base or improper use.” Although the word “profanity” is used by many people to refer to all “dirty” language, it really should be applied to the vain use of the name of God and His Son, Jesus Christ.
God has told us that He wants us to respect Him in the way we use His name. “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain” (Exodus 20:7). To use God’s name in vain is to use it in a common, empty or careless way, without an attitude of sincere reverence or respect. This would also include the vain use of the exalted name of Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:9-11).
The Law of Moses called for the death penalty for one who blasphemed the name of God (Leviticus 24:16). As a result, the children of Israel took this command so seriously that they would not speak the name of God for any reason, lest they use it in vain. Today, not only is the name of God used as a curse word, the names of God and His Son are used as common exclamations to express any and every emotion imaginable, and Christians are sometimes heard misusing God’s name in this way.
To use the name of God in times of worship and religious teaching is appropriate. However, to say, “Oh my God,” as a means of mindlessly expressing one’s surprise, pleasure, or disgust is to use God’s name in a common, non-sacred way. Such is a sin.
In our age of fast advancing technology, some have streamlined their means of communication by using initials and abbreviations in their texting. OMG has become a common sight on internet blogs and texts. OMG stands for “Oh my God!” and is nothing more than taking God’s name in vain. It is just as profane and sinful as saying the words.
Christians would not knowingly use God’s name in such a way, but we can be guilty of doing so without even realizing it. We need to be careful, for God will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.
Euphemisms
A euphemism is an inoffensive expression substituted for one that is considered to be offensive. Some have called it “Christian cussing.” The following may seem like a list of “toned down” curse words to many people, but a dictionary will tell us what we are really saying when we use words like:
- dang (damn)
- darn (damn)
- heck (hell)
- shoot (sh–)
- gosh (God)
- golly (God)
- doggone (God d—)
- gee whiz (Jesus)
- cripes (Christ)
While euphemisms may pass for more acceptable conversation in some portions of our society, they are not fitting for the child of God. One reason is because these “toned down” words mean the same thing as the “more offensive” words. Another reason is the fact that we feel like saying them in the first place. If the use of euphemisms can be called “Christian cussing,” the Christian needs to work on why he feels the need to be cussing. These euphemisms come from the same place in the heart as the “more offensive” words – words for which we will have to give account.
How To Overcome the Use of Corrupt Speech and Filthy Language
Using bad language and euphemisms is a habit, and habits are admittedly hard for some to break. The following are some suggestions for the individual who wants to overcome this sinful habit.
1. Think before we speak. “The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil” (Proverbs 15:28, c.f. James 1:19). We need to be in the practice of “turning on our brain before we engage our mouth.”
2. Remember the power of our words (Matthew 12:36-37, Proverbs 18:21). I have the right to fire a gun, but I must remember and respect the power of that gun before I think about firing it. Our words have the power to determine our eternal fate, as well as to bring us joy or sorrow in this world. I would do well to remember and respect the power of my words before I use them.
3. Seek to edify others with our speech. “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29). Our words also have the potential to have a great impact upon others. Foul language corrupts and destroys more than just the speaker. It has an impact upon the listeners and the overall environment. We must resolve to use the kind of language that will build others up, not corrupt them and drag them down.
4. Honor others with our speech. “Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king” (1 Peter 2:17). Filthy language and profanity are not honorable, nor do they honor others. Use of corrupt language is evidence of a shallow mind, lack of self control and lack of respect for others. There are several hundred thousand words in the English language with which we can express ourselves. Surely Christians can find words which will allow them to communicate in an honorable way.
5. Remember that we are always in the presence of God. “For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O LORD, You know it altogether” (Psalm 139:4, c.f. vv. 7-12). God always hears what we say. Let us make sure that it is always acceptable. “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14). As the Children’s Bible Class song goes: “Be careful little mouth, what you say.”
6. Pray for God’s help. “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips” (Psalm 141:3). God can help us overcome the use of bad language if we will seek His help.
7. Keep our hearts pure (Matthew 12:33-35). Our mouths simply bring out what is already in our heart. We need to keep our heart pure, then the fruit of our lips will be pure as well (Proverbs 4:23-24, Philippians 4:8).
Conclusion
As Christians, we must remember that there is great power in our words. James admonishes us to seek to control our tongues as best we can, likening them to a roaring fire and a restless evil (James 3:1-12).
Our speech should be sound (Titus 2:8), gracious and seasoned (Colossians 4:6), the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), with boldness (2 Corinthians 3:12), as the oracles of God (1 Peter 4:11).
We must choose our words very carefully, knowing that we will have to give an answer for them in judgment (Matthew 12:36-37, Psalm 19:14).
