Re: Speaking of the world today, what is your take on swearing?

One thing I was thinking more on was what caused me to cuss. I had already mentioned anger and frustration which seems to be the main thing. Thinking about it more though I came up with, sudden and unexpected pain, sudden unexpected fright, and even fright in general. Then in thinking back on the "anger and frustration" one, I had to include feeling hurt because often under the anger is hurt feelings. Finally the last one kind of shocked me although in my past it probably would have been the very first thing I would have mentioned, and that's "habit". The reason it shocked me was because I thought I'd ended that decades ago, even before I was saved. But the Lord pointed out to me, while it was happening, who it was that I was hearing it from constantly this past year which is part of why I've picked it up again. I was really surprised because as you all know I try very hard to be aware of my thoughts and to stay in control of them. Finally the last one I thought of was "for shock effect".

That too has taught me a lesson though. The lesson is that we can't let our guard down even when we think we've got something licked. Hopefully I won't make that mistake again!

Actually come to think of it, it showed me two lessons because it also showed me just how desensitized the world has gotten us toward this. We're so used to hearing it and reading it on everything from signs to t-shirts and of course in books and hearing it from everyone around us as well as on TV and in movies and even video games that it just goes from one ear right through the other and never stops to register. That's why God tells us to guard our hearts and minds:

Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

The word translated "heart" in this verse could probably be better translated, "heart and mind" because it encompasses both since it means more then just mental and emotional capacity but also your values etc. And notice how the Lord says we're to do this "above all else"? That's just how important this is!

Now the reason I wanted to know what usually precipitated cussing for me was so I could be even more on guard against it when I was experiencing those things. So I'm going to list them here again so they're easy to see. Plus that way I can later use them to look up more about them just as I already did for "anger".

• anger
• frustration
• sudden and unexpected pain,
• sudden unexpected fright,
• fright in general
• hurt-hurt feelings
• habit
• for shock effect

If anyone can think of anything else that causes it, please let me know ok?

Finally, after showing me the verse that tells us what NOT to do yesterday, (I'm going to post these in context so we can think about the context and look at it further next time)

Ephesians 5:1-7 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.

the Lord led me to one that shows us what we are to do:

Colossians 4:5-6 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

This also reminded me of a verse that jumped out at me the other day too, which reminds us again of how important it is to be in control of our thoughts and words:

2 Peter 3:1 Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking.

Ok, that's all I can remember for now. I'll be gone tomorrow so I'll have to pick this up on Sunday. Feel free to add to this yourselves though!

what is your take on swearing (bible study thread)