Psalm 19:14 – Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. (NKJV)
We watch a fair number of English mystery shows on television, and some of them start out with the warning: "This show contains coarse language and scenes of violence. Viewer discretion is advised."
They warn us, so that we are prepared. But the fact of the matter is that over the years, it has become such an accepted fact that people in all walks of life use coarse language, language that we did not hear from a lot of people years ago. Now, even commercials have swear words in them, and it really bothers me. Good books contain words that we never use. It has become so acceptable, it seems. I think that there is a difference, though, between "coarse language" and "swearing". A lot of people use the Lord's name in vain and others, even Christians, use coarse language.
The Bible tells us, first of all, not to use the Lord's name in vain.
Exodus 20:7 – You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain. (NKJV)
Paul tells the people in Ephesus not to use inappropriate language: "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth." (Ephesians 4:29a NKJV) He also tells them, "neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting." (Ephesians 5:4 NKJV)
Jesus Himself touched on this subject. "Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man." (Matthew 15:11 NKJV)
I did some research as to why people swear or use coarse language. Some young people do it because it is "cool". Others do it because they grew up with it. Some people figure that it gives more emphasis to what they say.
It is a touchy thing to admonish those who use coarse language. When people use Jesus' name in vain, some Christians use the occasion as a witnessing opportunity, asking the other person why they would talk about their best Friend that way. When people I know use what I consider inappropriate language, I will ask them if it is really necessary to talk that way. In any case, we first need to be careful about what comes out of our own mouths, and then to ask the Lord for wisdom to know how to deal with other people's language.
Prayer: Our Father in heaven, we ask that You will give us the strength and the ability to talk to people who use Your name in vain. May the Holy Spirit use our efforts to aid them in changing their way of talking. Amen.
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Well said Joel…and needed.
Amen and Amen to this devotional. Thanks for sharing. Blessings.
For sure. People feel it is their right to talk however they please. freedom of speech. Our culture has shifted. Or I should say drifted into vulgar, disrespectful, anti-Christian behaviour and attitudes.
Although my father was raised Presbyterian he attended the community church near our farm which was Baptist. There he signed a pledge never to drink alcohol or use bad language. I never saw this document but it kept him out of many a scrape because he would just say no I signed the pledge.
Thanks Joel – I have noticed this as well. Shows the heart’s condition, and combined with the immorality within our society that is accepted today as well, it shows the signs of the times. As in the days of Noah & the days of Lot, our Lord will return. Luke 17:26-30. Thanks again.
I’m with you on this one, Joel. Not that I am completely innocent of ever using strong words, but I/we find it exceptionally distasteful when media personnel, including women, use “inappropriate” words…mostly now “because they can”. It isn’t that long ago that it was an offense to do so on the radio or tv. What comes out of one’s mouth not only defiles a person… it defines them.
Thank you for you timely devotion dealing with course language and our Lord’s name in vain. It saddens me to hear so many young people falling into this pattern of speech. I always ask them to refrain from their thoughtless form of speaking in my presence and ask if they would speak this way in their priest/pastors presence. You Scriptures and suggestions are greatly appreciated. Grace and Peace.
(Texas)
Very timely reminder for me. This is sad to say, one of my besetting sins. It just explodes out of me when I am taken unawares, so I just ask God’s forgiveness and ask Him to set a seal on my lips before it gets out.
Grew up with it and I take after my dad. Usually more slang rather than the Lord’s name, thank goodness.
But I do understand. And Thanks for addressing the subject.
Bless you.
Great message, Joel.
I absolutely agree with you. I was not brought up amid such foul talk either.
An uncle once described it this way. People who use profanity in conversation lack the education to know better.
At one time that was close to the truth, but these days that no longer stands.
I cringe when I hear swear words of any type and will make it clear I do no approve.
Keep writing. I enjoy your ‘matter of fact’ devotionals.
Thank you for your devotional. This is a problem I have at my current job. I work with young people and most temper their language, but one young lady is very proud of her filthy mouth. It breaks my heart that she thinks so little of the language she uses and that she takes the Lord’s name in vain constantly.
I haven’t figured out a way to deal with it (other than headphones) but it causes me stress every time I work with her.
I know every generation at some point wonders what the world is coming to. I suppose it’s my turn.
Thank you for letting me know I am not alone!