Stop That Jive Talkin’

I keep looking but the Bible doesn’t have a list of banned English vocabulary. So anything goes, right? No, not so fast.

James 3:10 says Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. 

Let’s check it out.

Transcript

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Hey friends, thanks for joining me for another episode of Unfiltered with Jesse B. It's been a while since the gambling and drinking episode, and I got some pretty good feedback on that and was encouraged by a few listeners to keep going in that direction. So tonight we're going to talk about one of those subjects that can start an argument in about 30 seconds, and that's cussing. Does the Bible really say that you can't cuss? Well, let's just be honest here. Sometimes it feels good to let it all out in those times of frustration. In fact, there are some studies that show a person who cusses actually has less stress as opposed to those who try to hold those words back. Some people see cussing as a sign of low intelligence, while others see it as creative and expressive. Some Christians will tell you that if you say four letter words, you've sinned against God, while others say they're just words, and God cares more about your heart. So who's right and who's wrong? Whether you like it or not, the Bible does not contain a list of forbidden English words. That's because the Bible wasn't written in English. Many of the words people consider cuss words today did not exist in biblical times. Scripture doesn't say thou shalt not say these specific words. In fact, ass, damn, and piss are all in the King James Version. Actually, I didn't even know that piss was in there until I heard my pastor say it one day. Sorry, Randy. But anyway. So if the Bible doesn't give us a list of banned vocabulary, that means anything goes, right? Well, not so fast. In the Bible we are taught that the purpose of our speech is more important than a dictionary of unacceptable words. The apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians four twenty nine, let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may administer grace unto hearers. Notice Paul didn't submit a list of forbidden expressions. Instead he posed a deeper question Does what I am saying build someone up or tear them down? Jesus went even further as recorded in Matthew twelve thirty four by saying for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. Our words will always reveal what's happening inside of us. Words expose our attitudes, motives, and character. James three hundred ten also states out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. Here's where things can get a little dicey or is a little dodgy as some of my British friends would say. Some believers never say a single cuss word. In fact, they will look down on someone for saying cuss words. A person could be reacting in a heightened moment of emotion, such as a tragedy, and I know people who will ignore that tragedy and read the riot act because of a single cuss word. It's these same people who will constantly gossip, criticize, manipulate, slander, and destroy people, all with a perfectly acceptable vocabulary that doesn't contain cusswords. Others may occasionally use a crude word or two out of frustration, but they genuinely have good hearts. They love people and encourage others toward Christ. Neither situation should be used to excuse sinful speech. Both remind us that God evaluates more than a vocabulary, he examines the heart. Now that is not to mean that our choice of words is not important. As followers of Jesus we're called to be wise with our speech. So cusser or not, we should all be asking ourselves these questions. Do my words reflect Christ? Are my words helpful or harmful to those who hear me? Could my choice of words cause someone else to stumble? Am I speaking from anger, love, sarcasm, or grace? And ultimately, does this conversation honor God? There are many times when a harsh or crude word may not technically violate the biblical command, yet choosing a different word may better reflect some fruit of the spirit, like wisdom, self-control, and consideration for others. Christian maturity should always say something to the effect of just because I can doesn't always mean that I should. And what about taking the Lord's name in vain and don't think that I forgot about that? Is it just saying GD or does it involve something deeper like living contrary to what we profess? And I'll be on that topic later because it deserves a segment of its own. But for now, remember, God isn't trying to create people with clean mouths and unchanged hearts. God is in the business of transforming hearts, which will then begin producing transformed speech. So instead of asking is this word on God's do not say list, maybe the better question is Does the way I speak make people more likely to see Jesus in me? Love you guys. Good night.