Sponge Bob Square Pants and Patrick Starfish called ‘em "sentence enhancers", those of us not in Toon Land know them simply as cuss words, profanity or swearing. I know… actually admitting that I know anything about a toon, much less Sponge Bob probably is not going to help my cause with the babes I’m sure. 
This weekend a friend from church, asked for my help with a discussion/debate she was having with her friend "Chip" concerning the use of profanity by professing Christians. Chip holds the opinion that words normally considered as profane or obscene are just words. Chip believes that since the Bible doesn’t specifically say that s*** or f*** are sinful for example, it’s ok to use such words. Chip’s rationale is that as long as those words are directed at an object and not a person, no foul no harm. Looking to the Bible, I can’t say that I follow Chip’s rationale.
Ephesians 4:29
29 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.
Colossians 3:5-8
5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.[b] 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.
James 3:9-12
9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt[a] water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
The subject of using improper language came up again this afternoon in a conversation between myself and co-worker "Larry". As the conversation moved on, Larry and I came to the conclusion that even on occasions where we use words such as "dang" or "darn"; or phrases such as "Oh my gosh!","Oh my goodness!" or "Good grief!"; what we’re really doing is simply fooling ourselves into thinking it’s Ok to say such things since we’ve replaced the offensive or inappropriate term with something that sounds benign. Rather than commit to yea or nay view in terms of it being an issue of damnation for someone saying "dang", I think of it more like a character issue that God speaks to our hearts about.
I’m not advocating that a follower of Christ turn into the language police for their workplace. I do believe however that the Bible has some more to say about how we each should watch what comes out of our own mouths. In chapter 5 of Ephesians Paul starts his argument by pointing out the standard that Christians are to aspire to live up to…
Ephesians 5:1
1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children
(See Romans 12:1-2)
Between verses 3 and 5 of Ephesians 5 Paul gives a detailed listing of sinful activities and sinful attitudes that would disqualify a man from inheriting the kingdom of Christ, Paul is telling the church of Ephesus that these things are improper because as children of God, the Ephesians are to be conducting themselves in a holy manner.
- sexual immorality
- any kind of impurity
- greed
- obscenity
- foolish talk
- coarse joking
- idolatry
Ephesians 5:3-5
3 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. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 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.
I imagine that himself Paul contended with his fair share of folks in the church that tried to rationalize their use of "sentence enhancing language", hence a reason for this section of the letter to the Ephesians. Having dealt with this argument, Paul seems to understand not only the impropriety in using "bad words", but also the wayward thinking of anyone attempting to convince a believer otherwise. Paul says that these advocates are being deceptive, their argument having no merit because it’s from men with a world view, there is no authority here.
Ephesians 5:6-11
6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them. 8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.
Grace and peace be with you.
