The permeating pollution of profanity has become common place in our culture because society’s comfort level of what is tolerated has shifted. Expletives, once banned in public, are now unbridled. However, I grew up in an era and in an environment where cursing was never heard in the home, in public, on television, or in movies.
I have heard the argument, “Times have changed, so what’s the big deal?” Unfortunately, the acceptance and use of uncivil, foul language is a sign of just how far our culture has not only changed but has radically morally declined.
The mouth is a sin-barometer that reveals what is stored within the heart. For the heart is the reservoir for good and evil. That which is in the heart overflows into our speech.
Profanity is defined as blasphemous or obscene language—an expletive, curse word, and the unrestrained use of the “f”-word. Like foul water gushing from an open cistern, obscene words and God’s holy name are spewed as a curse in everyday speech, in television shows, movies, in public, and in casual conversations. Those offensive words grieve and anger God and are an affront to His hearing.
Most offensive to God is when His name is used as a curse word or in ways not associated with worship, praise, and prayer. The Third Commandment cautions, “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain (Exodus 20:7). For the LORD will not hold those guiltless who take His name in vain.” For He says, “The mouth that speaks lewd things, I hate. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so” (James 3:10; Proverbs 7:13).
God takes this so seriously that He warns, “…on the day of judgment, people will give account for every careless word they speak” (Matthew 12:36). He also warns, “You must not swear falsely by My name, so as to profane the name of your God; I am the Lord” (Leviticus 19:12)
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits, because the words we speak can become a snare to us (Proverbs 18:21; 6:2). For the lips reveal what is in the heart. The words we speak will either summon victory or invite defeat. God said, “I create the fruit of your lips” (Isaiah 57:19). What kind of fruit is coming forth from today’s mouths?
Jesus said that is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person; it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles and reveals what is in their heart. For that reason, the tongue must be controlled so that evil and deceit are not spoken (Matthew 15:11; Psalm 34:21). James firmly warns, “Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless” (James 1:26 NIV).
The question to be asked is, “What drives a person to curse?” God’s Word reveals the answer by cautioning us to rid ourselves of sinful, unrestrained emotions that erupt into anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language. No corrupt talk is to come out of a mouth but only speaking what is good for building up and giving grace to those who hear (Colossians 3:8; Ephesians 4:29). Then God’s Word instructs that those who desire to love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from lying (I Peter 3:10).
The Apostle Paul urged followers of Christ, “I appeal to you, therefore brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship” (Romans 12:1). “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing, you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2) And how do we renew our mind? Renewal comes by reading and studying the Bible and prayer.
God calls those who speak expletives not to be conformed to the world’s standards but to stop sinning. For both saltwater and freshwater cannot come from the same spring. Thus, rather than being emotionally driven and reacting negatively to a situation, there must be a quick response to hear, be slow to speak, and slow to anger (James 1:19).
Jesus asked, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts?” (Matthew 9:4) It is impossible to think on what is true and excellent, if the mind and heart have been indoctrinated by movies, television programs, music, and books that unashamedly spew profanity, and showcase violence, witchcraft, lust, and every kind of perversion.
Proverbs 4:20-24 clearly sets the boundaries for humanity:
“…pay attention to what I say;
turn your ear to My Words.
Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart;
for they are life to those who find them
and health to one’s whole body.
Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.
Keep your mouth free of perversity;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.”
“Finally, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8 MEV)
PRAYER: FATHER, forgive me if (or when) I said words that offended You. Help me to be mindful of what I speak, knowing that You hear and care about every spoken word. Help me to speak only what is wholesome, edifying, and gives grace to the listener. In Jesus’ name, amen.