Profanity.

George Washington said, “The wicked practice of profane swearing is a vice so low that every person of character despises it.” Do you agree? Many would disagree, yet most only swear in certain situations: they won’t cuss at church, a funeral, on television, in front of children, or during a job interview. They know it’s offensive and can make them look bad.

But does God care? And if so, what about Christians who “talk like pimps and whores”? God forgives us, right? Yes. We walk by grace. But the Bible says do NOT use grace as an excuse for sin. God expects us to do our best. Grace is there when you fail, but you are not supposed to stop trying!

Do you sing “Your praise will ever be on my lips” and then use your lips for cussing?

James writes “from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing—brothers, these things ought not be!” Jesus said “Be holy, even as I am holy.” Are your words holy? Do they honor God? Paul writes, “Let there be no filthiness, or COARSE TALK, or dirty jokes…. Put away obscene talk.” Eph.5:4; Col.3:8

Proverbs 8:13 says “GOD HATES PERVERTED SPEECH.”

I’m not concerned with the speech of the lost. Their words are filthy because their minds are unredeemed. But believers have the HOPE and JOY of salvation. Jesus said your words reflect your heart: “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, the evil person produces evil, for out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.” We have the light and beauty of God and the hope of heaven. Our speech should reflect the joy and hope and grace that fills our heart. And if your heart is not full of joy and hope and grace and love, you need to fill up on the word! Because whatever is in your heart will come out of your mouth. We are here to share the Good News of Jesus. Our words should be beautiful and refreshing to everyone around us. May God bless our speech.

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