Cuss Words

[AnthonyE1778]

The bible repeatedly tells believers to speak uplifting words of encouragment to one another. Cuss words are not uplifting in any way. And the Bible also tells us to rid ourselves of any filthy language as well.

 

[Sentry]

OK, without naming any of those words in particular (since they'd be edited, and I don't want to cause trouble as a newbie!):

I have a friend who contends that using certain cuss words in a more friendly context isn't really a sin. I contend that since these words are considered by our culture to be cuss words, that regardless of the intent of the speaker, such words are always wrong for us to say. Now I certainly don't want to get overly legalistic, but can someone point me to some Scripture which may shed some light on this topic?

Technically he is right. God is not going to be offended by a number of words which do offend certain Christians. If you think about it, God did not decide these words were offensive, humans did. What makes one word for human feces more offensive than another? It is all about perception. Technically, they are just a set of letters joined together and one is not more offensive to God than another.

However, we are not to do anything which causes our neighbor to stumble nor to use language which is obviously directed toward revelling in obvious filth.

 

[dignitized]

one of the things that cracks me up about the you must NEVER "swear" crowd is they see the "F word" to be much worse than d*mn which is actually a word with spiritual power while the other word just offends puritan sensibilities.

 

[firestar]

I personally think that it's not the word that is wrong/filthy, but the intent. Even knowing that certain cultures think that the word that North Americans use for long fibred carpet (sh*g) is really vulgar, I still use it in it's context. There's nothing wrong with it. I don't mean it in a vulgar or offensive way. In the same way, if someone were to yell out to me in a really angry offensive tone "HEY WATCH IT LADY!!!" I would take offense because even though the word "lady" is usally a compliment, the speaker is infusing it with a derogatory meaning. I think that is why it's repeated in the bible to be quick to listen, slow to speak, be wise as a serpent yet harmless as a dove etc... etc... I think our anger gets us in trouble, and words spoken in anger, regardless of how technically "clean" they are can still hurt and I believe still offensive to God. I really DON'T think that when me or my friends call each other a bit*h in a joking laughing way that it is wrong. That is just my way of thinking though.