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    by Fred Price

What Does Cursing Accomplish?
Date Posted: October 3, 2003

Nearly everyone curses today. Many Christians do; if not in public then in private, especially if they get really mad. In fact, we seem to have set up a standard of practice for cursing. It's not permissible at this time and place but almost expected in another set of circumstances.

When are you most apt or tempted to curse? Does it make you appear more attractive, well-spoken, strong and in control? In fact, usually just the opposite is true when we are crude and disrespectful. Many have commented on the coarseness of our society; but people have always cursed. What's the problem? First off, an outer crudity and coarseness can be and often is an indicator of an inner condition, one that as Christians we are warned not to participate in. James 1:26 pointedly states, "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless." Conversely, he says that the man who maintains control over his words is able to control all his actions. (James 3:2)

Why? Because the emotions we express verbally often show us to be much less than what we are expected to be. Not by me, the preacher or teacher or even mom and dad, but by God himself. Many times we curse out of frustration and anger - displaying an utter disregard for the people we are cursing. Again, James deals with this specifically, "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." Again, why? "…for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires." (James 1:19,20) In fact, Matthew 5:21,22 warns that the words of scorn or unconcern we direct at others will bring us under judgment. Why? How can you witness to people you feel such for and treat in such a fashion?

Today's society has become so used to the foulness of language that we curse for joy, when we are having a good time. This shows the progression of what was once considered unacceptable except for "extreme" circumstances - or the back alley into the main stream. That's exactly what's wrong with just a "little cursing," which turns into a little more; ultimately indulged in much of the time in most any situation. Now - what's happened to your witness? How are you any different from anybody else? The very person who may be looking to you for direction may be utterly disappointed and turned away from God by what you say and by what you say reveals about you. Be assured that I'm not saying anyone who has ever cursed or is struggling with the habit now is hell-bound. But what standard are we striving for? So what if someone else does it - or if everyone else does it? We will be judged by what we do!!!

James discusses the difficulty of taming the tongue. "…the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue is also a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, (if we let it) sets the whole course of his life on fire,... All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man (on his own) can tame the tongue... (Let's remember though that, "What is impossible with man is possible with God." (Luke 18:27) If we realize the need and desire to be different, he can and will empower us to do so.) For, "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. (James 3:3-10)

What is cursing - really? Well, Exodus 20:7, and 22:28 talk about not misusing or blaspheming God's name. Is that it? Paul says that, we must rid ourselves of such things as anger, malice, and filthy language. (Colossians 3:8) And in writing to a young person of faith, set the standard of behavior for him when he says, "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity." (1 Timothy 4:12)

Our mouths often act as an outlet to the emotions and motivation of our hearts. Our words express who we are. Sometimes we can fool people by doing or saying the "right" things but eventually the real you reveals itself. That's why what we put into ourselves, what we store up in our hearts is so important. For, "The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the over flow of his heart his mouth speaks." (Luke 6:45) What we say may not indicate the whole person we are but it can certainly be a barometer of spiritual maturity and discipline. Jesus, in discussing the things that dirty us and our lives said, "Nothing outside a man can make him 'unclean' by going into him. Rather, it is what comes out of a man that makes him (clean or) 'unclean.'" (see Mark 7:6-23) In fact, Jesus declared that, "…men will have to give account for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." (Matthew 12:36,37)

If we need further verification the importance our words possess, then Proverbs 18:21 gives it graphically. "The tongue has the power of life and death." Say again?!? Absolutely. We can encourage or demoralize, build up or tear down, compliment and insult, be cruel, crude and rude, or we can show love, concern, witness and save. What awesome - frightening power in the words of our mouth. Something we rarely give much consideration to.

Many still ask, 'What is cursing? As long as I don't use the Lord's name in vain, I'm all right aren't I? I mean, the Bible doesn't define anything else as cursing does it?' I believe it does. "Do not allow any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths,..." (Ephesians 4:29) "Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place." (Ephesians 5:4) Now, if you want me to define unwholesome talk, filthy language, obscene talk and coarse joking; forget it! Scripture really can't be much more explicit without listing all the "bad" words for you. That's not necessary. Everyone of you is smart enough to know the difference and abide by what the Bible says if you want to.

What's the cure for those who have already developed a habit of cursing? (A difficult one to break as it becomes a part of who we are and how we automatically express ourselves.) A committed resolve to stop, a genuine desire to be different and a shield from the temptation to be like everybody else. The word of God. The Psalmist declared that, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I may not sin against you." (Psalm 119:11) And as a result could expectantly pray, "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight." (Psalm 19:14)

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Biography Information:

Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.

Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker.  He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today.  Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.  

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