Purity of Speech Part 2

Last month, I wrote to you on the theme “Can a Christian Curse?” I told you I had one more point to make about this subject. In the first article, I wrote it is always wrong, without exception, to take God’s name in vain. We saw in the article the Scriptures that proved this point. 

Another point was made that sometimes we “slip-up,” and before we know it, we have used profanity in talking with someone. This may be because most people are in a situation—for example, work—where we hear profanity all day. Those words, even though we don’t use them, are stored in our mind and may come out without our thinking. Some have used profanity before they became a Christian and are struggling to get this under control.  

Now we turn to the question, “What did Jesus have to say about profanity?” In Luke 6:45, Jesus says, “The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart” (NASB used throughout). 

Then in Matthew 12:34, Jesus says, “You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.” 

The heart in these verses is not just the physical organ but rather the seat of one’s emotions, beliefs, and intentions. What Jesus is telling us is that our speech reveals our inner character. Our vocabulary shows what is in our hearts. That is not just true of “dirty words”; it is also speaking of gossip, lies, and speech meant to deceive people. 

Profanity shows a heart that needs to be changed. In Matthew 15:11, Christ lets us know it is what comes out of us that defiles us. When we use profane language, we are showing who we really are. People are seeing the real us. 

Our speech should be free from profanity. Our words should be uplifting and encouraging. Our tongue should bring from us words that inspire and edify those we are speaking to. Proverbs 10:11 tells us, “The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.” Proverbs 4:23 says, “Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.” 

Listen to these other verses of Scripture: 

Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person” Colossians 4.6. 

Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear” Ephesians 4:29 

In other words, do what your mommy told you to do: “Watch your language.” 

Let’s get to the conclusion of this matter. The question before us is “Can a Christian uses profanity?” The answer to this question is “No, a Christian should not use profanity.” 

What if I falter and let a word slip out of my mouth? Simply tell those you are talking to that you’re sorry. Then tell God you’re sorry. God will forgive. 

You may have a “slip of the tongue” sometimes. However, if your language is filled with curse words, you have a heart problem that needs to be correct. Take comfort, however, that the Lord is in the life-changing business. 

I will close with this word of advice from Philippians 4:8: 

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. 

Let’s all watch our language. 

See you next month.