[312 words]
I recently watched a nationally televised athletic event where literally millions of people viewed the same game. During the game, the main camera showed one of the coaches being very upset and using verbally abusive foul language regarding calls made by the officials! What I observed disturbed me. Then I realized how many other people saw what I saw.
I am not naïve, and I understand foul language is used by the most of the population. We are to the point in our culture that most people in leadership positions in government, athletics, education, management and all walks of life have a flippant attitude when it comes to cursing and making offhand remarks. Unfortunately, our society looks the other way when this behavior is demonstrated. But, our Creator does not!
James 3:6 says, “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.” Evil speech destroys because it comes from Satan himself.
James 3:8 says, “But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” We must constantly be mindful and ready to restrain our tongue because the power our words contain.
James 3:10 says, “Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.” We cannot be hypocrites when it comes to our words. We cannot bless God and then curse someone made in God’s image.
Psalm 19:14 says, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.” Both thoughts and words are to be suitable before God.
Let’s heed God’s words and remember, foul language is foul!
Allen Jones
South Green Street church of Christ
Glasgow, KY