Why do some people speak with vulgar lips? Does it benefit you as a hearer? Does it benefit the speaker? A child says bad words because they think it makes them appear mature. In reality, when someone uses profanity, it only leaves an impression of lower intelligence, for even the simpleminded can use vulgar language. When someone becomes angry, they curse because they say it makes them “feel better.” Maybe it is because they have not tried something else instead of profanity. God has given man the ability to express himself, but He has also given us instructions on how we should speak.
When we speak it must edify the hearer (Ephesians 4:29, 31). To edify means to build someone up for the purpose of doing good. How does bad language edify? Colossians 3:8 tells us to “put off … filthy language …” Why? Because it does not edify the hearer and it does not minister grace (I Peter 2:1). If our language is not used for the purpose of promoting good, then it is evil. If you take salt water and add fresh water, it still has salt in it. If you take fresh water and add salt, then it is not fresh anymore. For water to be fresh it cannot have any salt in it. The same applies with language. Your speech either is good or evil (cf. James 3:10-12).
Jesus said that we would be judged by our words (Matthew 12:34-37). Jesus never gives mankind the authority to speak in such a way that it does not glorify Him. People time and time again say we cannot judge one another because we do not know them. I know a person by what they do and speak and so do you. Remember the words of wisdom by Solomon, “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7).
Kyle Campbell