“I simply do not think that yelling, swearing, threatening or belittling will get you to the place you want to be faster than kindness, understanding, patience and a little willingness to compromise.”— Rachel Nichols
“The foolish and wicked practice of profane cursing and swearing is a vice so mean and low that every person of sense and character detests and despises it.”— George Washington
“Vulgarity is an old Narcissus who adores himself and applauds the common vulgarity.” ― Victor Hugo, Les Misérables
All across America, and around the world, godless men abuse women and children by profane language. Some small men in character do this in the guise of a comedy routine. I have been very disappointed at the vulgarity of comedians who are supposed to be friendly to family audiences such as Ron White, Larry the Cable Guy, and Jeff Foxworthy. Their scatological dialogues are vile, disgusting, and abusive. They say it all in the name of humor. They would be wise to remember the counsel of Jim Dale. “I’d rather get a good clean laugh with good material, than an easy laugh by swearing or shocking. That’s not clever or comedic, anybody can get a laugh that way, it’s too easy.”
Other small men in character use profanity at home to berate anyone, and everyone, in a losing effort to feel big, important, and in control. No one is safe around such disgusting individuals who cannot carry on a decent, normal conversation. The wife is not safe, nor the children, nor the in laws, and not even friends. Vulgarities spew forth against everyone.
Many Americans were shocked to hear the tape of the movie star Alec Baldwin calling his 11 year old daughter at home a “rude thoughtless little pig.” Baldwin is well known for his temper. To his temper can be added a filthy mind, and a dirty mouth.
Baldwin, of course, is not alone. He is not unique. Countless homes, like his, are nothing but torture chambers for children by fathers, stepfathers, or other male members with filthy minds and dirty mouths. Some of these homes are beautiful on the outside, but behind the façade of a manicured lawn, in a high scale neighborhood, lies verbal terror as supposedly educated and successful men descend into the gutter of gracelessness. They have no self-control over their tongues. Their vocabulary would make a sailor blush, to use an old expression.
Still other small men in character use profanity at work, as if a decent conversation cannot be engaged without throwing around a little macho dialogue. When Billy Graham listened to the Whitehouse Tapes recording the profanity of President Richard Nixon, he records in his memories that it made him physically sick to his stomach. This was a side to Mr. Nixon that Billy Graham was unaware of.
Profanity diminishes a man, and adds nothing to his character, or stature. Small minds use vulgar words. Strong minds engage in grand ideas that build others up instead of tearing people down. Common decency was once expected in society, even of the unchurched. Not anymore. On television, on the radio, in the movies, and in everyday conversation, filthy minds spew forth profane and dirty words without protest.
Christians need to be careful not to be among those who use profanity, for the Word of God has much to say on the proper use of the tongue.
And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself. People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. James 3:6-9 (New Living Translation)
Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29 (NLT)
Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior. 2 Timothy 2:16 (NLT)
While Christians are not perfect, in the area of wholesome speech, they can certainly set a higher standard and example by recognizing the power of what is said, and desiring to speak in a way that is pleasing to God.
“My tongue will speak of your righteousness and of your praises all day long.” Psalm 35:28 (New International Version)
“Let praise flow from my lips,
for you have taught me your decrees.
Let my tongue sing about your word,
for all your commands are right.”
Psalm 119:171-172 (New Living Translation)
For every profanity talking parent that might read these words, in the providence of God, remember this. The way you speak to your children will never be forgotten. Never. As long as a person lives, harsh words heard in childhood will be remembered. The vile names a child has been called will wound them forever. The damage is done.
Therefore, know this, men. In the day of ultimate judgment, ungodly men who have been abusive to their wives, daughters, and others, will receive a just damnation. God will avenge the innocent, and the helpless. You should seek God’s grace to repent, and be fundamentally, and forever different.
