A very interesting article appeared in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette recently entitled, “Cursing heard everywhere, children say in survey.” The article is also distressing in that it chronicles that which is a growing malady of the heart and soul of our country. A problem with the tongue means first that there is a problem with the mind. Jesus said, “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matt. 12:34).
The need for tongue control means that there must first be mind or heart control. The above article states that in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area 10,000 youngsters responded to this topic: “Does obscene language or swearing bother you? Do you react differently depending on where it’s used and by whom? Why is it so commonplace? Should it be discouraged?
1. A Common Problem. Many of the children surveyed indicated that they first learned to cuss at home as parents “lace their daily conversations with curses.” Exposure to foul language increases when children begin school where many teachers and coaches are prone to get their point across with obscenities. Of course TV and movies add profound influence in the area of the profane.
2. Reasons for Swearing. The typical fare of “reasons” were offered: “It’s cool,” “It feels grown-up,” “It’s funny,” “It gets attention,” “It’s the best way to express anger and relieve stress,” “To appear normal,” and “To fit in.” Question: are we in the Lord’s church having enough of an impact with the teaching of the Bible on sins of the tongue to show the utter sophistry of these reasonings.
3. Where Do We Draw The Line? Most of those surveyed believe that profanity should not be used in two places: “At church and around very young children.” If cussing is wrong “at church,” it’s wrong anywhere! If using profanity around “very young children” is wrong, it’s wrong around anyone! I’m old enough to remember the chivalrous notion that a man should not use foul language in the presence of a lady. That one is long gone! True religion should make a difference in every aspect of our lives. James wrote, “If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless” (James 1:26).
Sins of the tongue are varied and deep-seated in our culture. Evils of the tongue include such things as slander, back-biting, complaining (murmuring), gossip, lying and unjust criticism. One has only to read the third chapter of the book of James to become aware of the complicated problems that spring from the lack of control and improper use of the tongue. We, in the Lord’s church, cannot afford to relax our efforts to let the Bible speak on this growing problem. As parents, we need to be ever-mindful of the influence of the home in this area as well.
- Selected (Dennis Gulledge, Mabelvale, AR)