The Clipboard: The Words We Choose to Use

Regrettably, our culture has become littered with filthy language. The decline of vocal purity displays the impact that culture has on communication as the meaning and implication of words make a myriad of tongue twisting obstacles for speech. Today I would like to address a biblical approach to what words we chose to use, expanding on a point that Anthony mentioned last week. I would like to begin by noting an interesting definition of profanity:

Profanity thus includes filthy speech, false swearing and cursing, and also polite and courteous speech and action which is outside God and which does not recognize His sovereignty (R.J. Rushdoony, Institutes of Biblical Law, Vol. 1, Pg. 107)

We will now look at what Scripture says about foul language and euphemisms.

Scripture

The 3rd Commandment

Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. (Exodus 20:7)

To take the name of the Lord in vain is to commit blasphemy and to profane the name of the Holy.

Neither shall ye profane my holy name; but I will be hallowed among the children of Israel: I am the LORD which hallow you, (Leviticus 22:32)

We should not swear by anything according to the words of Christ in the Sermon on the Mount.

Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. (Matthew 5: 33-36)

Euphemisms

Regrettably, due to social pressure many people use euphinisms for profanity. These so-called minced oaths, Christian curses, or sentence enhancements do nothing except reveal the heart of the black tongued speaker.

A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. (Luke 6:45)

It is important to note that we will be held accountable for every word.

But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. (Matthew 12:36)

Summary

We can see that both minced oaths and outright profanity is to be avoided. I have listed some discussion points and questions that may spur some conversations.

• What motivates people to use profanity?
  
• What are some examples of worthless or idle chatter that is present in our culture?
  
• How can we encourage edifying speech?
  
• Do you or your family have certain standards for speaking?