I was just thinking about something that really makes me uneasy. I refer to the language of many who profess to be Christians, but their language betrays them. I have been involved with sports all my life; there is a lot of unwholesometalk in that arena. I spent over four years in the military. Now, there is a lotof such language in all the military branches. We could say that is to be expected. But what is not to be expected is when those of us who are supposed to be influences for Christ to others permit our language to betray us. Especially the taking of the Lord’s name in vain with our cursing is not only offensive, but it also confuses others, in particular those who have not placed their trust in Christ as Savior.
What the Bible Says
I realize that if a person corrects another for his foul language, that individual will come back with, “You are just a goody two-shoes.” But the truth is that I find it disappointing when others whom I know to be believers use filthy language, tell shady jokes and even curse others for their actions. The Bible, God’s Word, is the believer’s guidebook. Every believer from every walk of life ought to take to heart what the Word says.
We are instructed to avoid unwholesome talk. Paul instructed the Ephesian Church, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Eph. 4:29 NIV1984). I have never witnessed anyone who curses build up another. Cursing tears down rather than builds up.
Unwholesome Talk Hinders
If a young believer is struggling to grow spiritually, being in the presence of another who professes to be a Christian yet uses foul language and delights in innuendo will hinder that young believer’s development. James wrote, “Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell” (James 3:5-6).
Unwholesome Speech Reveals Betrays the Heart
It’s easy to say, “Well, these are just words. I do not mean anything by them.” However, according to God’s Word, that is not true. When a believer continually uses foul language, tells dirty jokes and uses insulting language, that person has betrayed their heart. He may be saved from the condemnation of sin, but his actions do not reveal such to others. Matthew wrote, “You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matt. 12:34). A believer may say, “These are just words,” but God’s Word says that these are thoughts from your heart!
Unwholesome Talk Needs to Be Gotten Rid Of
If a believer who uses such awful, ungodly language realizes that what he says is wrong, he should repent and determine to change his habits. That is not always easy, but to be the kind of witness Christ wants, it is something that must be done. Paul wrote to the Colossian Church, “But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage malice, slander and filthy language from your lips” (Col. 3:8).Solomon said, “He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity” (Prov. 21:23).
