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Not many people know this, but I used to have a sailor mouth. Yup. I was really bad when it came to watching my tongue and keeping garbage from coming out. I mean, I didn't drop f-bombs, but I still used equally bad words. That didn't lessen my offense, of course. But after prayer and just plain common sense, I got rid of my sin.

Wait, back up there.
Sin?

Yes. I don't see swearing as a kind of personal conviction kind of thing, but I see it as a sin for no matter who commits it. Ephesians 4:29-30 says to "let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers" (NASB). Swearing is never right for a Christian to commit. Aren't we supposed to be separate from the world? Then why are we talking like them? If one swears in front of another Christian more often than not one is either going to offend them or stumble them and neither is the lesser.

Next, why swear? What's the point? Maybe I shouldn't, but whenever I hear someone swear I instantly think that the person is of less than average intelligence. I don't see the reason for saying a four-letter word to express disgust when there's hundreds of alternatives, like possibly NOT using the four-letter word. Are they simply out of things to say? Are they trying to be "mature" or "cool"? The only logical explanation is that it's like they've found a new word to say that shocks people and causes a reaction. But then they don't stop, so they continue until they just let the words flow without even thinking.

And don't try to use the pseudo-intellectual argument: "They're just words!" Yeah, well, the Bible says the tongue is a double-edged sword. Words are powerful. Words can start wars, build empires, promote peace, destroy, maim, express love, or bring joy. The tongue has the ability to cut down or edify. Which would you rather do? I'd rather edify and build up people with my words, rather than offend, insult, or cut down.

Also, I don't exactly approve of swearing in another language. If one says as German curse word, it's no different from saying its English equivalent. You know why? Because God knows what one is saying. He hears and understands all words that come forth from the mouth of men, and He knows exactly what they mean and the complete context of said swear word. So while men may not be effected, God is grieved at such words.

Last, all this does not apply to simply swearing, but also coarse joking. Oh man, this convicts me a lot because I know that I could be stumbling someone.

So in closing I end with this: I know it's hard. I would swear unconsciously. It became second nature to me to say certain words to express disgust at someone or something. And I did such because I felt like I was old enough to swear, or that people would understand that it meant extreme disgust. However, the Word of God states that using the tongue to do such things is a sin, plain and simple. But remember that God promises there is no trial or temptation that He cannot help someone overcome. Stay strong and pray.

And if you know me personally, feel free to talk to me about it. I'd be more than glad to pray with you about it.