The habit of profanity, now in epidemic proportions, is spreading across the land, and even our children are effected. I have known people that cannot say a sentence without using profane or indecent words. You probably know some, too.
The Definition of Profanity and Indecent Language
Profanity, blasphemy, cursing, obscenity, swearing or vulgarity all refer to crude or foul language. Also referred to as corrupt communication.
Scriptures to Consider
Profanity and Blasphemy
Usually refer to irreverent use of the name of Deity. Taking the name of the Lord in vain.
“Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.” (4th Commandment of the 10 commandments Ex. 20:7 in the Bible.)
This is probably the most often broken of any of the 10 commandments.
Corrupt Communication or Foul Language
“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” (Eph. 4:29 in the Bible) “ But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.” (Colossians 3: 8 in the Bible)
That which cometh out of the mouth defiles:
“Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.” (Matthew 15: 11 in the Bible) “But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.” (Matthew 5: 37 in the Bible)
“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.”
(Matthew 12: 36-37 in the Bible)
“For our words will condemn us, yea, all our works will condemn us; we shall not be found spotless; and our thoughts will also condemn us; …” (Alma 12: 14 p. 238 in the Book of Mormon)
Making a Mockery of the Sacred Privilege of the Procreation Process
The use of the “F” word in its many indecent degrading forms is now common in daily language, movies and books. Only with a physical body or a resurrected body is procreation possible. As spirit children we did not have the procreative powers. Satan and all his angels will never have the privilege of procreation.
Is it any wonder they do everything in their power to make a mockery of the procreation privilege which they never will have! That is why the worldly sexual abuse and gross sins are so serious.
“ 5 Know ye not, my son, that these things are an abomination in the sight of the Lord; yea, most abominable above all sins save it be the shedding of innocent blood or denying the Holy Ghost?” (Alma 39: 5, p 306 in the Book of Mormon)
Breaking the Habit of Profanity and Indecent Words
Boyd K. Packer gave this suggestion, “I know a way that you can break the habit quickly. This is what I suggest you do: Make an agreement with someone not in your family, but someone who works closely with you. Offer to pay him $1, or $2, even $5 each time he hears you swear. For less than $50 you can break the habit.” (The Clean Voice of Youth, New Era, January 1976)
In Summary
Always use the names of God, Heavenly Father, and Jesus Christ with reverence and respect. Misusing their names is a sin. Profane, vulgar, or crude language or gestures, as well as jokes about immoral actions, are offensive to the Lord.
Foul language harms our spirit and degrades us. Profanity is filthiness. A person is known as much by his language as by his actions. “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation” (1 Peter 1:15 in the Bible)
For a more detailed composition on Profanity and Indecent Language call (231) 383-8359 or send an email [email protected].