S*ear W*rds

I myself don't swear because I have been raised not to, but does that really make it wrong? Is swearing really a sin? How can a word in and of itself be wrong. Isn't it the motives behind the words what really matter? You can use "nice" words and say something way worse then a swear, right?

After looking through the Bible I have not found a "List of words not to say because they are Bad." The only things that could be put on the "bad" word list is what we find written in 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." So obviously anything that profanes or is irreverent toward God's name can go on the list.

At this point we still can't compile a list of "bad" words that Christians shouldn't say, other then improper use of God's name. I think since the Bible is going to last forever it wouldn't give us a list. Language changes over time. I think they, sadly, added selfie to the dictionary. The point is that every culture and time period have had there very own kind of "bad" words, and words that once had a legitimate meaning are now what the world calls "bad" words.(Which is a point in itself, if the world says something is bad then shouldn't we as Christians?)

Here are some verses I have found that might help us figure out if we should be worried about swearing:

1. James 3:10 "From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so"  
2.  Ephesians 4:29 "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."  
3. Proverbs 4:24 "Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you" 

 Now obviously these verses don't tell us not to use the F-Bomb. But what I can certainly say is that the content of our speech is very important. When you use a swear it isn't in a happy way, the motives behind the words probably aren't very Christ like. And it certainly isn't going to "give grace to those who hear."

 Which leads into my next point. We are told to be apart from the world, yes? And we should be putting other first, correct? Here is something Paul said in 1 Corinthians 10:23 “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up." When it comes to your speech does swearing really build others up?

Over in  Luke 6:45 it says "The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks." Do you think that swearing is a "good treasure"?


Matthew 5:16 "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven" Is swearing going to allow people to see the Glory of  God?

Bringing glory to God should be one of our top priorities 1 Corinthians 10:31-33 "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved." Just remember that as a Christian one of our primary goals is to bring others to Jesus. And in view of our topic, is Swearing really going to help accomplish that goal? As a Christian we are supposed to be aiming to become more like Jesus, Is swearing really going to get us there? As cliche as it seems "What Would Jesus Do"?


Nolan Out!