What we say says a lot about who we are.
Think this one through.
It’s the first day of school. There’s a new girl in your class you’ve never met before. What’s one of the first things you do?
You listen.
What does she say?
What she talks about and how she talks about it tells you so much. Based on what comes out of her mouth, you will probably decide whether you want to get to know her or not.
So, it’s no surprise God has something to say on what we say:
“Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.” Ephesians 5:4
In The Message it’s even clearer:
“Don’t talk dirty or silly. That kind of talk doesn’t fit our style. Thanksgiving is our dialect.”
Dirty or silly. That cuts out a lot, doesn’t it? Discussing the latest You Tube rage, hottest guy on TV or new song on the radio, how often does is it obscene, foolish or coarse?
It’s not just the topic either; it’s the way we talk about the topic, using current fad words. While these words change fast, most of them should never start.
“But hey, as long as I’m not swearing it’s ok! You sure are getting picky!”
Not according to the Bible. “Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place.”
So what qualifies as obscenity, foolish talking or coarse joking?
Here’s the definition for these words:
Obscene: indecent or disgusting
Foolish: resulting from or showing a lack of sense; ill-considered; unwise
Coarse: lacking taste or refinement
That’s the standard of the girl who is radical about displaying the love of Jesus to her generation. That’s the standard for the girl who is going to live outside who she is inside.
So, take your newest fad word, line it up with the definitions above and decide.
Disgusting or indecent?
Lack sense or is unwise?
Lack taste or refinement?
Classy or crude?
Whether texting, talking and typing, your words have the power to point to him or away. What’s it going to be?
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Don’t like any cuss words. And we as Christians I believe should not do it. Just my thoughts.
It bothers me to my soul when someone does it feel convicted by the Holy Spirit i brace my self sometimes but that is me
It upsets me when people my age swear. I mean, come on!!! You’re not intelligent enough to think of anything more clever??
As i reread this i will admit if pushed beyond the point if shear frustration meaning no sleep kids cranky (18yo/14/6) i may slip up i am by no means perfect as a christian thank God for forgiveness i just wanted to make sure i was honest and not sounding like i was sitting on a cloud of ignorance
I am disappointed when anyone swears at any age– my mama taught me that we need to increase our vocaulary so we can express our emotions WITHOUT swearing! I am especially saddened when Jesus’ name is taken in vein– he is my best friend! Some Christian leaders think it makes them look cool or relevant to swear– I think we walk uprightly and be a light and the light and love of Jesus draws people not our “coolness”
You guys make some great points. I think you’re so right–it’s tasteless when it’s an adult and so sad when it’s a teenager. It makes me cringe when I hear teens batting around bad language just to show off. Sigh. I did it…I remember the first time I tried out a swear word. LOL I was shocked that no lightning came from the sky. So I tried another one. No earthquake. Another…another… and so it went.
Speak well and have confidence in what you are saying and you will not need to add words just for the sake of gaining the wrong kind of attention.
Why are certain words considered cuss words. Who made the cuss word list, when was it made, why was it made. Only logical answers please.
It’s a good question, Robert N. Waller. Using only logic and not a Google search for word origins, I’d say it comes from intent. Then again, I can say “oh Fiddlesticks” with as much venom as some other words. Well, maybe not…. LOL It’s a good question. I’d love to hear other answers, too.