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Swearing - Why not?
- Jun 20, 2008 at 3:49 PM
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Swearing. To some people it's second nature, just part of their everyday vocabulary. To other's these words are a way to reinforce/describe their feelings, particularly in written word. Some people believe that words are words and are only bad if we make them bad.
Let's define swearing:
swear[1,verb]
Main Entry: 1swear
Pronunciation: \ˈswer\
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): swore \ˈswȯr\; sworn \ˈswȯrn\; swear·ing
Etymology: Middle English sweren, from Old English swerian; akin to Old High German swerien to swear and perhaps to Old Church Slavic svarŭ quarrel
Date: before 12th century
transitive verb
1: to utter or take solemnly (an oath)
2 a: to assert as true or promise under oath <a sworn affidavit> <swore to uphold the Constitution> b: to assert or promise emphatically or earnestly <swore he'd study harder next time>
3 a: to put to an oath : administer an oath to b: to bind by an oath <swore them to secrecy>
4obsolete : to invoke the name of (a sacred being) in an oath
5: to bring into a specified state by swearing <swore his life away>
intransitive verb
1: to take an oath
2: to use profane or obscene language : curse
Either way, our words have an affect of others. And ultimately, how we affect others affects us. The Bible is clear on what kind of speech we are to use. Let's take a look at a few verses:
Ephesians 4:29
29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Question - Is swearing helpful to others? Does it build them up or benefit them?
Colossians 3:8
8But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.
A little saying comes to mind when I read this, "You better check yourself before you wreck yourself".
Colossians 4:6
6Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Our speech should contain wholesome, pure, kind, and beneficial words. Words that encourage and build up a person, instead of tearing them down.
From these 3 important verses alone, we know that our words have power and have an impact. We need to be making a positive impact on our friends, family, neighbors, even the world.
Let's pray:
Father God, I ask that you forgive me for any unsavory talk that have come from my lips; for using foul language in anger, for using words that tear others down. Father, if there are any with this sin in their heart, show them, that they may also seek forgiveness. Father God, give us wisdom with our words as you did Solomon. Give us words of compassion, grace, mercy and kindness. Father, thank you for loving us so much. For showing us your love by teaching us through your Word. In Jesus' Almighty Name I pray, Amen.
After writing this, I was given an article to read in regards to this very topic. I'd like to share that with you.
From Crosswalk.com:
Christians and Cussin'
David Burchett
Author and Speaker
Swearing at work boosts ‘team spirit, morale’
Wouldn’t it be interesting to be at that pep rally?
“Yea *&^%$#@ Team! Bleep, Bleep, Bleep!” Whooeeeee!!! (Jump in air…extend arms) Bleep!
The story outlined the study.
Regular swearing at work can help boost team spirit among staff, allowing them to express better their feelings as well as develop social relationships, according to a study by researchers. Yehuda Baruch, a professor of management at the University of East Anglia, and graduate Stuart Jenkins studied the use of profanity in the workplace and assessed its implications for managers.
They assessed that swearing would become more common as traditional taboos are broken down, but the key appeared to be knowing when such language was appropriate and when to turn to blind eye.
The pair said swearing in front of senior staff or customers should be seriously discouraged or banned, but in other circumstances it helped foster solidarity among employees and express frustration, stress or other feelings.
I am calling bovine excrement on that research. I live in a profane, obscenity laced profession. In my regular job of sports television production the “f”-bombs fly in a way that would constitute “shock and awe” for most Christians. I do not use any of the seven words that formerly were never said on TV. My reason is largely unrelated to my faith. Although I am always reminded of Paul’s incredibly annoying challenge in Ephesians.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Ephesians 4)
But on a professional level I think that language is an issue of civility and intelligence. Using words that are offensive to some demonstrates bad manners and a worse vocabulary. I dislike “second hand cursing” as much as second hand smoke. You know what I am talking about. You are stuck in public with really loud cell phone guy who is “boosting the office team spirit” with a very loud and profanity laced tirade. I am not interested in hearing his or sometimes her five word vocabulary. Or you find yourself seated by “we really know sports guys” as they do a blue play by play for the entire game. When obscenity becomes a habit it is hard to limit such words to “appropriate” times. They just slip out because such language becomes habit.
Some say that any words other than taking the Lord’s name in vain are merely words. There is some truth to that. Jesus made it clear that what is in our heart is really the issue. So if you have profanity in your heart you might as well let’er rip. Right? Paul again moves from meditation to meddling with some more words to the church at Ephesus.
Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. (Ephesians 5)
Ouch! I’ll bet the Ephesians were looking for some steel-toed sandals and hoping the next letter from Paul would be delayed in transit. But that makes it pretty clear for a Christian. Words do matter. And I need to get better at this. Perhaps the biggest issue is how do Christians, who clearly are called to a higher standard, react to an increasingly coarse culture? The natural impulse is to run to the safe bunker of all Christian activities and groups.
I think Jesus (surprise) sets the example. Jesus was an oft invited guest at weddings and banquets to the point where those appearances drew the ire of the Pharisees. Think about it. If Jesus was a holier than thou, uptight religious, oxygen mask drop out of the ceiling sourpuss would anyone want Him at their wedding party? A deadly serious, stuffy theologian type would likely not be an "A" list party invitee either. Jesus must have been able to laugh and enjoy the common fellowship of others and he was obviously welcome and desired at the festivities. Let's join Luke at Levi's dinner party that included some unsavory people and see what happens.
Levi gave a large dinner at his home for Jesus. Everybody was there, tax men and other disreputable characters as guests at the dinner. The Pharisees and their religion scholars came to his disciples greatly offended. "What is he doing eating and drinking with crooks and 'sinners'?" Jesus heard about it and spoke up, "Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick? I'm here inviting outsiders, not insiders-an invitation to a changed life, changed inside and out." They asked him, "John's disciples are well-known for keeping fasts and saying prayers. Also the Pharisees. But you seem to spend most of your time at parties. Why?" Jesus said, "When you're celebrating a wedding, you don't skimp on the cake and wine. You feast. Later you may need to pull in your belt, but this isn't the time. As long as the bride and groom are with you, you have a good time. (Luke 5:29-34, The Message)
I am not trying to be flippant (this time) but clearly Jesus knew how to party in the good sense of the word. He knew how to interact warmly with others and connect with those around Him. And He knew where to find those who needed the touch of forgiveness the most.
John Wesley once walked through the London market with a young man who desired to join the ministry. The coarse language offended the young man and he clearly wanted to leave. But Wesley told him to, "Stay, and learn to preach.”
For some reason many have the habit of using the name of Jesus when they are angry or something goes wrong. When I hear that I almost always respond.
(Something bad happens)
Them: Jesus Christ!
Me: Not His fault.
I have had surprisingly good results with that simple little comment delivered with gentleness and a smile. For my fellow followers of Jesus I suggest the following. Set a higher standard but don’t be self-righteous about it. Never be surprised when sinners (even those who know Jesus) sin. Pray for the heart of those who offend you with bad language. That is the source of the problem, not the words themselves. Concentrate instead on the “g” word.
Grace.
And love them like Jesus.
http://www.crosswalk.com/spirituallife/11577010/
Comments:
I also want to add for more references!!!
Matthew 5:33-37 and James 5:12
Great post!!!!!
Love the story. Do you mind if I add some more references from James? I LOVE the little book of James. So full of great little nuggets.
So also the tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do. A great forest can be set on fire by one tiny spark. And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is full of wickedness, and poisons every part of the body. And the tongue is set on fire by hell itself, and can turn our whole lives into a blazing flame of destruction and disaster. Men have trained, or can train, every kind of animal or bird that lives and every kind of reptile and fish, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is always ready to pour out its deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our heavenly Father, and sometimes it breaks out into curses against men who are made like God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Jame 3: 5-12
Don't criticize and speak evil about each other, dear brothers. If you do, you will be fighting against God's law of loving one another, declaring it is wrong. James 4:11
As mentioned from above: But most of all, dear brothers, do not swear by heaven or earth or anything else; just say a simple yes or no, so that you will not sin and be condemned for it. James 5:12
I've been reading on blessings and cursings. And, although I won't go into that somewhat controversial topic, we do have the power to bless or curse others with the words that we say. Think of it this way...God created the heavens and the earth with his voice--the spoken word. The universe obeyed God's spoken Word. We, as christians, have the Holy Spirit inside of us...when we speak the universe listens. If we speak against our brother and say I wish he suffers for doing that to me...or I hope he doesn't get that job or promotion, we are speaking a curse on that person. The very person who is made in the image of God. I may not "cuss", and Icould start to think highly of myself for not doing so, but then the Lord reminds me of the cursings I may speak without even realizing it according to these other scriptures.
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