Swearing

I read a blog that is written by a public school superintendent.  He says that one of the things he has had to deal with lately is the language being used by children as young as first grade.  He says
six-year olds now use the “f bomb” frequently. 

What has our society come to if our children don’t know how to speak without using four letter words.  The blogger states that he doesn’t think these first graders even know it is a bad word and that they are less and less afraid of the consequences.

How did this happen?  It has taken time but it is has gradually filtered down from adults to teenagers to middle school students and now it has infected our first graders. 

Are Christians also involved in this?  Do Christians think it is wrong to swear?  I’ve heard plenty of them do it. 

I think there are three main reasons why people swear. 

1) They get really angry at their spouse, mom. child, boss, etc., and they just let it fly. 

2) They are really insecure and in order to make themselves look tough, they hide behind curse words. 

3) It’s a habit.  They swear without even considering a different adjective.

I think swearing is wrong and here are my reasons:

1. Instead of swearing, we need to spend time building each other up.   Ephesians 4:29- "Let nothing unwholesome come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up others, so that it might help those who listen."

2. It damages our testimony.  The word Christian mean Christ-like.  Unbelievers watch our conduct, attitude, and speech to see it all of that really lines up with our profession of faith. 

3. Matthew 12:34 “For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.”  If the heart is clean, how can curse words come out?  If a holy God has taken up residence in your life, how can you use language that is unpleasing to Him?

4. James 1:26  “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.”

5. Our words can have either a positive or a negative impact on those around us.  We should be spending our time blessing instead of cursing. Psalm 34:1 “I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.”

6. Ephesians 5:4 “Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.”

7. 1 Peter 2:1 “Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.”

There are other things that some people do who wouldn’t dream of swearing.  Some people don’t think twice about gossiping, back-biting, telling confidential information, or using their words to cut others down.  These individuals are just as wrong as the person who cusses. 

Remember that you reap what you sow.  Sow blessings in other peoples lives and you will be blessed.

May God richly bless you……

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