Biblical Word Study on Language

Words are neutral in and of themselves. Their meanings often change throughout history and for different cultures. To say a word is "bad" or "good" you are making a statement concerning the culture you live in and the time period that you live in. So the question came up, that if a word is neither bad nor good in itself, do we have a right to label them so and what, if anything, does God say about it?

I started with the second question by doing a short word search about words in the Bible. I found there aren't absolutes in the Bible concerning words. God in his omniscience knew that to single out a word here or a word there would make the rule obsolete by the next generation as words and their meanings change often. Even in the most direct command to not take the name of the Lord in vain, there isn't a description of that action. The Jews took that command to mean they should never mention the most Holy form of God's name in anything they did. Now, we don't feel we need to take that extreme of a position today. We come boldly to God and claim His name often. So even in that direct command, it is interpreted differently by different people. Although I found a plethora of verses that talk about words and language most were principles rather than direct commands. But I did find a common chord throughout all of the verses that I looked up. The same chord runs through all of the teachings of Jesus. It comes down to intentions and the motives of the heart.

Over and over the Bible talks about words having the power of life and death; of your tongue being a fire; and that your words need to please God. All through Proverbs we are cautioned about the affect of our words on others, either for good or bad. Jesus also cautioned that words have deeper meanings and affects than just what is said. Paul, James and others had other similar principles. These principles have different levels of direction and emphasis that we need to look into deeper.

Even though I am not going to try and make any list of good or bad words, I will say that whatever culture you live in, there are words that are considered foul. Even the smallest child in the inner-city can make a list for you if you are in doubt. So even though a word is neutral, the culture makes its definition good or bad. Some want to put words into lists of usable slang and unmentionables. Others want to say we shouldn't list words at all because it is a unnecessary argument. That, because words are neutral, there should not be limits on a Christians language. But is it o.k. to use them? Some will say that as long as everyone around you says the same words and they aren't offended by them, then the words are ok to use. There is the other side that says God is offended by all foul words. What I want to attempt is to have each examine his own heart and determine before God what he feels clear to do. That can't happen without the truth though. Some have defended their stance on both sides without seeing really what the Bible says in this area. But they state their beliefs as if it was of God. And by Truth I am talking about what the Word says, not "the church" nor the world. If we live by the standards of the world or by rules of the church we will be missing the heart of God.

In a certain way, this is in the same arena as "offering meat to idols". Since we are free in Christ and under grace, our language is between God and us, to a point. All of 1 Cor. 8 talks about the stronger and weaker brother and about actions that some may find objectionable and other not. But it does end with Pauls decision not to do whatever so as not to offend 'weaker' brothers. But to take the whole Bible into context, he continues the same idea in chap. 10 but with more cautions. 1 Cor 10:23-24 23 "Everything is permissible"-but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"-but not everything is constructive. 24 Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others. The good of others is a clear directive for any actions of a Christian whether it is in what you say or do. Words do affect our own self but for now I am talking about the affect on others. We are commanded to love, put others before us, to build each other up, and to not be a stumbling block for them among many other specific commands. So you need to examine how your words affect others around you. We aren't allowed a neutral position in that. If we only dealt with language in this context, which many do, it would mean that as long as the other person isn't offended or stumbling, then everything is ok. Granted, there is some leeway in this area because it does depend on who you are talking with. But you have to take all the scripture into account before you make a full position based only on this level.

The next level I saw was how God views the heart. God sees the heart and clearly states that what comes out of the mouth shows what is in the heart. Obviously, there are those who can put on a good front to present themselves as holy and righteous when in reality their heart is far from God. Ie.. The Pharisees were told by Jesus that they were a white washed tomb because their words were right but their heart wasn't. But we aren't to look to other humans as our plum-line for being Holy. We are only to use Jesus as our example. To me this comes down to motives of the heart. If the words that are coming out are to connect with someone in order to show him Jesus in his own context then God can direct one on how to speak. But if the words that consistently come out of one's heart show a lack of depth of character then one needs to examine his walk with God.
This isn't and can't be a judgment from without; from others; it has to be an internal examination between the person and God. Only God can reveal the heart to the person. For those who feel the need to correct those Christians who have "foul" speech, I would encourage you to act in a way that Jesus did for those who did love Him. He saw and reached past the sin and touched the hurting parts of the heart. From my experience, most who use foul words have hurt and bitterness that they try to hide with tough words and need to see Jesus through us, not judgment. Because the sin of pride of clean speech can be as much a stumbling block as the use of foul words.

The next level is probably the most specific and the hardest to explain without sounding judgmental. There are some very specific verses that deal with the kinds of speech and communication that God says He doesn't want: "unwholesome talk, obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice", are some of the specific terms that God uses. There's not a whole lot of leeway in those terms although culture to culture and generation to generation the specific words would be different. God not only says it is for the up building of others but also so that we don't grieve Him (Eph 4:29-32) . In these specific verses He doesn't give us the options of saying whatever we want, when we are around others who speak the same words. Even though it may not affect those people it says we have to watch what we say so as not to offend Him. Then he just says it's out of place (Eph 5:4). People who argue for using 'foul' words around like-minded people will have to work through those verses themselves. I will say that I know that God is a big boy. He can deal with a lot of things that humans get offended by. But there is a reason He says what He says and each person needs to search Him out on that. {I also will caution those again, who don't use foul words but confront those who do, to look at the whole list. Maybe you do not use foul words, but do you talk foolishly, or have bitterness, or get angry easily? We have to watch that we are not Pharisees in our judgments of others.} I won't attempt to give any more commentary on it then that other than encouraging each to read the verses below with an open heart and mind.

The verses that I have covered so far, in my opinion, are a basic guide in language, speech and/or communication for most casual connections; friends, employment, family etc; the basic day-to-day type give and take. But there are other verses that have extremely harsh and sometimes violent language in them and most said by either a devote follower of God or Jesus himself. The word search I did was very small considering that there are many more examples in the Old and New Testaments that I didn't pull up. Obviously, none of the specific words mentioned are foul words in our language but the message behind them is direct confrontation and accusatory language (thus, foul language in their culture?).

I will correlate this aspect with our right to bear arms. Our county gives us the right to own guns and most states give the right to have concealed weapons permits and carry guns on our person. Now this is an awesome responsibility and should not be taken lightly but it is also one that any law-abiding citizen may partake in. But even though he can carry a gun legally around, I wouldn't advocate shooting the gun off when ever he wants or shooting at innocent people. That just doesn't go over real well. Now there may come a time that he, his family, or an innocent bystander is in imminent danger and the gun will be used for defense.

My correlation is in the idea that we have the freedom and grace to use any words we want. But shooting our mouths off whenever we want, may be unwise and may wound others nearby. If we look carefully at the times that Moses, the prophets, Jesus, Peter, Paul and others used strong language it was times that the people around them were in danger of being mislead by idols, false teachers, and others waging spiritual battles. They were storming the gates of Hell and disarming the enemy.

We are instructed in various ways that we are in a spiritual battle and we need to have the armor of God on daily. It is a war and it may be that God will put you in a position that He did with these other men of God, that I mentioned before, where you have to take a strong stand for those who are being led astray and use harsh or strong language (swearing) as part of your weapon. But just as with a firearm weapon, the more you expect to use it, the more training you should get in walking close to God. Where as I am trained enough to handle a gun, shoot what I point at and other simple defense actions, I am far from trained to be in a shooting match or a war. So also, I am able to defend those who are victims and may at times need to forcefully defend them. Using the spirit behind the language Jesus and others used I would want to be walking close to God so He could direct my words. Plus, I think it is prudent to take into account the large percentage of positive, up building words that each said compared to the small percentage of strong language that any of them used and copy their example of positive speech.

Of course, what is an 'obscenity' for me may not even be a slang term for you as I have very high standards for my own words. Each person does have to come before God with a yielded heart to obey what God has revealed to him alone. And then with that, they have to look to how their freedoms affect others. And lastly, they need to examine their own heart for areas God wants to change whether it is their words or their pride for their 'clean' speech. As my goal for this study was to have each examine his own heart and not to be judgmental or critical, I will end with this verse: 2 Tim 2:14-15
14 Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
Selah

For those who want to know where I got my information from:
(All scripture taken from the NIV)
~ indicates there is more to the verse then I quoted and you should look it up!

Ps 19:14~ May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight,
Prov 8:1-8~Wisdom has pure words~
All the Proverbs talk about the results of wrong words and the positive affect of good words...
Prov 12:18..........Prov 12:25............Prov 15:23................Prov 16:2...................Prov 18:21...........................Prov 21:23......................Prov 25:11
Matt 12:36-37~giving account for words on the Day of Judgment~
Matt 15:10-11~ what comes out of his mouth makes him unclean~
Luke 6:45~For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks~

(This next one made me think of not judging someone because of their speech)
Rom 14:1-21
14:1 ~Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters ~ This is the whole portion about not eating meat offered to idols.
Eph 4:29-32~ Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths~
Eph 5:4~ Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.
2 Tim 2:14-15~ Do your best to present yourself as one who correctly handles the word of truth.~
James 1:26-27~ if he doesn't keep a tight rein on his tongue his religion is worthless ~

*word study on: word, words, tongue, mouth *

Some examples of harsh words~

Lots of examples in the prophets............
Matt 23:13-36 ~ Lots of 'woe to you' - a type of curse~
Luke 11:37-52 ~ Jesus telling the Pharisees what He thinks of them ~
John 2:15-16 ~ clearing out the temple ~
John 6:70 ~ calling Judas a devil ~
Acts 7:51 ~ stiff necked people ~
Matt 16:23~ Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan~
Gal 5:12~ As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves ~
Phil 3:2~ Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh~

If you have more of either type of verse... please add it on in the comments!

Trusting God.....written by Morgan...
A firm reliance on the integrity, ability, or character of a person or thing. To depend on, believe and expect with assurance. A charge imposed in confidence in a relationship.

When you read the phrases above, what is the first term that comes to your mind? If you said trust, then you are right, for these sentences are from the trust sections in several dictionaries.

Trust is an action that we, as humans, employ throughout our lives. From the moment you can think through your actions you trust someone or something. A toddler grasps his mother’s hand in a strange place. A forth grader trusts her best friend with the secret of who passed her a love note in school that day. The newly licensed 16 year old trusts his mechanic that his car will run and he can continue looking cool in it. Employers trust their employees, patients trust their doctors, students trust their teachers. Trust can be so commonplace at times that you might not even realize you are trusting someone or something.

But what about God? Do you trust God?

Of course, you say. Of course I trust God! Trust Him to keep me safe and to keep me fed and clothed. I trust Him to forgive me and to love me always. Of course I trust Him.

But do you really trust Him?

The way I define trust is by explaining a game. This game, the name of which happens to be Trust, can be played by two or more people although a larger group works best. One person is selected to be “it”. Everyone makes a circle around “it”, standing an arm’s distance from the next person. The ones in the circle take a step back, enlarging the circle even more. “It” must fold their arms, shut their eyes and begin spinning. After they have spun for awhile, someone outside of the circle will call for them to stop. “It” must stop immediately. Whoever in the circle is directly behind “it” silently steps forward, while “it” must fall straight back without opening their eyes or back stepping to save themselves. The person behind “it” must catch them and right “it” back onto their feet.

Doesn’t seem too hard after reading it, right? It doesn’t, until you try it. When you’re standing there, arms crossed and eyes closed, and you aren’t sure if the person behind you has stepped closer or not, it’s very hard. You aren’t sure if they are strong enough to hold you or confident enough to try. You aren’t sure if you’ll be caught or if you’ll fall straight back on the hard floor.

But, you might say, if that was God standing behind me, I would trust Him! He’s God! How could someone not trust Him?

Once you’re in the middle of that circle and have stopped spinning, you have to fall back. Your legs automatically try to catch you. Your knees want to bend to help with the landing and your arms try to reach out behind you to brace against the ground. But you have to tell your body not to do any of that…It’s absolutely terrifying.

So, now that you’re in the middle of your problems, what is your automatic response? I think it is pretty safe to guess that most people’s response is to bend their legs and use their own arms to catch themselves. I can assume this, because I know it was, and still is at times, that way with me. I try to stop problems, find answers, control my feelings, all on my own.

When ‘it’ tries to catch himself, he normally ends up getting more hurt than he would if he had just fallen straight back. The reason for this is that, even with attempting to soften the fall, that is all that he is doing. The fall in inevitable, if there is no trust that he will be caught. So, he just tries to lessen his pain all by himself. He knows he’ll get hurt, but for some reason he would rather do that than to fall into the arms behind him.

Same with us as humans, I think. When we’re in the middle of a problem, we try to catch ourselves and fix it all alone. The pain and confusion is inevitable, so why not feel like we have more control over the pain than not? I have felt that. I know what it’s like to want to risk getting a little hurt as long as it means I’m in control.

I have been in the center of the circle as ‘it’. To tell the truth, I took on quite fast to the game and became quite the daredevil with falling straight back without pausing. Now, if I’ve already said that the falling is terrifying, why did I do it so quickly? Because the feeling of being caught is wonderful. When I fall back without thinking, and someone catches me and holds me for a brief moment, it’s a great feeling. Knowing that someone was there to grab me. Knowing that I trusted them and they proved my trust. It’s a very rewarding feeling.

And yet the fear of that one moment of helplessness drives us away from falling unthinkingly back into God’s arms. You can tell God all your life that you trust Him, but once you’re really in the middle of trouble, there’s a pause. Why is that? Because trust is giving up all control, all cares about the outcome of a situation. Just like you can’t control your body while laying back in someone’s arms in the game Trust, when you’re totally trusting God you don’t have any control over the situation. It becomes His situation and His decisions.

Trusting can be a moment by moment struggle. I know personally that it is more than just saying “Hey God. It’s all Yours.” It is stopping myself anytime I start thinking about my problem and changing the subject if a conversation leads into any what ifs and maybes. For me it’s directing my mind to think about God instead of my issue. And that is one hard thing to do, especially when I’m in the middle of something.

The actual act of day to day trust also reminds me of rock climbing. Those climbers have to completely trust their climbing gear before they swing off the rock and put all of their weight onto those straps and hooks. They are putting their very lives at stake trusting that their gear is going to stay and support them.

For me, at least, the realization that God was a strong support helped a lot with trusting Him. If I believe what He says and know that He will be strong always, then it becomes easier to completely trust Him.

But trusting God is not the cure all formula. I have learned through painful personal experience that God allows heartbreak, even when one is trusting Him and is completely in His will. It was hard for me to accept at first. If I had been completely trusting God, why wouldn’t He spare me from pain? Why shouldn’t I be rewarded for my trust and constancy? Through a lot of prayer, God was able to show me that the trust can’t be there without the heartbreak. Trust is realizing what the worst case scenario can be, and then accepting that if God allows me to enter that scenario, it is for my long term benefit and happiness. That’s my promise and hope. That’s why I can keep trusting Him.

It also is making my mind and heart remain in the present and not dwell on what ifs and maybes. That was very hard for me to do, and I will admit that I still struggle with it at times. But through prayer, God has been faithful. An excerpt I found in a magazine summed up what trust in God is for me, “Every day God calls us to keep trusting-to get out of bed and spend another 24 hours washing dishes, doing laundry, loving our family, believing He has everything under control–even when He seems silent.”

All about mothers.

A woman renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk's office was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation, Emily had hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.

"What I mean is," explained the recorder, "do you have a job, or are you just a .....?"

"Of course I have a job," snapped Emily. "I'm a mother."

"We don't list 'mother' as an occupation...'housewife' covers it," said the recorder emphatically.

I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall. The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of a high-sounding title like "Official Interrogator" or "Town Registrar."

"What is your occupation?" she probed.

What made me say it, I do not know. The words simply popped out. "I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations."

The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair, and looked up as though she had not heard right. I repeated the title slowly, emphasizing the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.

"Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest, "just what you do in your field?"

Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply, "I have a continuing program of research (what mother doesn't) in the laboratory and in the field (normally I would have said indoors and out). I'm working for my Masters (the whole darned family) and already have four credits (all daughters). Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities (any mother care to disagree?) and I often work 14 hours a day (24 is more like it). But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money."

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.

As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants - ages 13, 7, and 3. Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model (6 months) in the child-development program, testing out a new vocal pattern.

I felt triumphant! I had scored a beat on bureaucracy! And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than "just another mother."

Motherhood...what a glorious career. Especially when there's a title on the door.

Does this make grandmothers "Senior Research Associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations" and great grandmothers Executive Senior Research Associates"? I think so!!! I also think it makes aunts "Associate Research Assistants

DO ALL THE GOOD YOU CAN, BY ALL THE MEANS YOU CAN,
IN ALL THE WAYS YOU CAN, IN ALL THE PLACES YOU CAN,
AT ALL THE TIMES YOU CAN, TO ALL THE PEOPLE YOU CAN,
AS LONG AS EVER YOU CAN.
John Wesley