Cussing???

1. Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.

2. By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood.

3. Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish, with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven; yea, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away.


Hosea 4:1-3(KJV)

[ June 08, 2001: Message edited by: Rev ]

 

Just because people say the Bible doesn't say something, they automatically assume that it is OK. Much like your "Christian" friend. However, one thing that my wife ALWAYS gets me on is 1 Thessalonians 5:22: Abstain from all appearance of evil.

Example, as everyone knows, gambling is a sin. (Covet) However, I said to my wife one day. "I’d like to go into that Casino. I’m not going to gamble, I’d just like to see what it looks like in there." She looks at me and says, "Abstain from all appearance of evil." And I realize that she is right.

We as Christians must always be aware that others are looking at us as representatives of Christ. If they see a so called "Christian" walking into a Casino, Bar, etc. they are going to question the person’s Christianity. They don’t know what the person is thinking, they can only make their judgment based on the person’s actions. If they don’t act like a Christian, then they will think, at the very least, two things. The person isn’t a Christian or the person is a hypocrite. You may have noticed I put quotes around the word "Christian" when I mentioned your friend. The reason I did so was because your friends actions make me question his "salvation".

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
James 2:26

I am sure many of my fellow Baptist boarders will be able to point out specific verses where cursing/swearing/cussing is preached against, however, I thought I would use a verse that pretty much covers it all.

I hope this helps.

Dave

[ June 08, 2001: Message edited by: Ars ]

 

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Ars:
Just because people say the Bible doesn't say something, they automatically assume that it is OK. Much like your "Christian" friend. However, one thing that my wife ALWAYS gets me on is 1 Thessalonians 5:22: Abstain from all appearance of evil.

I thought I would use a verse that pretty much covers it all.

I hope this helps.

Dave

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yep...that would be the one.

[ June 08, 2001: Message edited by: Rev ]

 

Staying away from the appearance of evil is a nice cover it all, but this topic is covered.

Col 3:8 "But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, &lt;B&gt;filthy communication out of your mouth&lt;/b&gt;"

Eph 4:29 "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers."

Here is another one that sort of covers it all.

Philippians 4:8 "Finally, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there by any virtue, if there be any praise, think on these things"

~Lorelei

 

PS. So...how does one make the text bold...as you can see with my &lt;B&gt;bold&lt;/B&gt; attempt, I tried but failed

~Lorelei

 

you almost had it Lorelei, just use ubb code because the admin has html disabled on the board. the correct ubb code is [*b]text [*/b]

Just leave out the *

 

Matt,15:18- But those things which proceed out of the mouth cometh forth from the heart;
and they defile the man.

 

A look at 1 Thessalonians 5:22.

1 Thess. 5:19-22, King James Version.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR> (19) Quench not the Spirit.
(20) Despise not prophesyings.
(21) Prove all things: hold fast that which is good.
(22) Abstain from all appearance of evil. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

1 Thess. 5:22 seems quite powerful, when taken out of context--"abstain from all appearance of evil." However, a quick look at the proceeding verses can clarify the meaning of this oft-quoted line.

In 1 Thess 5:20, we find the line, "Despise not prophesyings." If we look at this as one in a series of related thoughts (as in the preceding vv. 16-18, which instruct us to be strongly given to the Lord in prayer), a quite different interpretation arises. We are not to detest or cast out inspired text out of hand, but rather to test them at all times.

A link to an earlier scriptural passage, Deuteronomy 18:18-22, appears here. This is where we are told how to test a prophet: by the truth of his prophecies. This command is not a simple “don’t do anything that looks evil,” but rather the fact that we must stick to the real truth absolutely, and cast off falsehoods—and we can only determine the difference by “proving” the prophesies. (Strong’s lists dokimazw (1381) translated here as “prove” as meaning “to test; by impl. to approve-allow, discern, examine, x like, (ap-) prove, try,” so “test” may be a better meaning for the modern reader.)

Now, there is a strong temptation to take 1 Thess. 5:22 out of context, as it fits certain legalistic doctrines firmly—creating new sin where there was none, simply by using that word “appearance” as a sort of fence to hedge believers in. By this standard, one could not take on the role of a villain in any form of acting—appearance of evil. I think that most reasonable Christians would not object to a talented actor on stage or screen (without specifically un-Christian motives) portraying a despicable person, even though he himself is not despicable. This is what actors are paid to do, and what many will pay to see them do. Yet, this legalism haunts good Christians even today, taking away their real freedom by salvation in Christ. This is not to say that Christians should live a life of sin, but simply that one’s walk with God is not compromised by trivial appearance—only real belief and action.

-Wayne

 

I have to disagree with you Wayne. Stating the verse by itself is not taking it out of context. 1 Thessalonians 5: 12-24 are instructions to Christians. (Written to the church in Thessalonica by Paul.) Although they appear to be grouped in a specific way, they are not. Some follow a certain line, but that doesn't necessarily mean they all must. Simply put, they are a list of instructions.

[12] And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
[13] And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
[14] Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
[15] See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
[16] Rejoice evermore.
[17] Pray without ceasing.
[18] In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
[19] Quench not the Spirit.
[20] Despise not prophesyings.
[21] Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
[22] Abstain from all appearance of evil.
[23] And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
[24] Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

It is not legalistic to say "Abstain from all appearance of evil". It is just giving an instruction. Avoiding even the appearance of evil is a step beyond avoiding evil itself. We're not to give others the opportunity to doubt the sincerity of our faith by our actions, even if we know the actions to be innocent.

And not to seem rude, but you only explained verse 21. You didn't explain the relation of verse 22 to the pervious verses.

If I may use another verse Paul uses as instructions.

Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.
1Corinthians 8: 13

Although this is in reference to the eating of meat dedicated to idols, it reinforces the same principle. We must be careful of the things we do for no matter how lawful it is, it may still cause a brother to stumble. Or in the case of non-Christians, cause them to doubt Christianity.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Note, We should be very tender of doing any thing that may be an occasion of stumbling to others, though it may be innocent in itself. Liberty is valuable, but the weakness of a brother should induce, and sometimes bind, us to waive it. We must not rigorously claim nor use our own rights, to the hurt and ruin of a brother’s soul, and so to the injury of our Redeemer, who died for him. When it is certainly foreseen that my doing what I may forbear will occasion a fellow-christian to do what he ought to forbear, I shall offend, scandalize, or lay a stumbling-block in his way, which to do is a sin, however lawful the thing itself be which is done. And, if we must be so careful not to occasion other men’s sins, how careful should we be to avoid sin ourselves! If we must not endanger other men’s souls, how much should we be concerned not to destroy our own!
Matthew Henry (1706-1714)<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Dave

 

Dajuid,

My commentary was based upon the idea that 1 Thess. 5:19-22 is an idea elaborated upon, rather than a string of separated ideas. I am, essentially, arguing that 1 Thess. 5:22 is an elaboration and expansion upon the commands of 5:19-21, and not its own isolated idea. In essence, the sentence completes the thought "hold fast that which is good" by contrasting it with "abstain from all appearance of evil"--specifically in prophecy. Look at the style of these exhortations--vv. 12-13 deal with fellows, vv. 14-15 deal with correction of individuals, and vv. 16-18 discuss the constant joy and praise of God and Christ. I hardly find it unreasonable to conclude that vv. 19-22 are all related to the subject of prophecy (especially when placed in so vivid a contrast as v. 21b and v. 22), rather than vv. 19-21 relating to prophecy and v. 22 a simple exhortation to be careful in one's appearance.

I also don't say that Christians should wander around sinning--simply that 1 Thess. 5:22 isn't necessarily a command that Christians must be legalistically careful in their appearance. As for the principle of the weaker brother, I also believe that a part of the Christian's responsibility should be to help the weaker brother grow in Christ, not simply to always shackle ourselves--and him--for his sake.

-Wayne

 

Isaiah 6:5 Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.

Study James chapter 3

Matthew 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

Every person is judged by his words, because they reveal the state of his heart.

 

When someone curse or swears, it reveals their heart; consider Matthew 12:34b "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." NKJVand Proverbs 27:19 "As in water face reflects face, so a man's heart reveals the man."NKJV

 

I don't cuss, other than the occasional "hell" or "damn" (usually when I'm watching the Phillies or Eagles). It's a bad habit and I'm trying to break it.

I've always wondered why you can say "defecate" but you can't say **** when they mean the exact same thing or why you can say copulate but not ****.

What is it about these words that made us decide that they're bad? I understand that they're rude and I don't say them (much) but why some words and not others that mean the same thing?

I know that's not going to be a popular question on BaptistBoard, but I still wonder.

 

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Smoke_Eater:
What is it about these words that made us decide that they're bad? I understand that they're rude and I don't say them (much) but why some words and not others that mean the same thing?
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

It's the way our language has developed. I've had this discussion with brethren before. It's certainly not the word itself (generally). I can use "hell" or "damn" or "ass" in one context, and most people wouldn't think I was cursing. If I were to use them in another context (as you indicated in your post), it would be perceived as cursing.

One thing to consider is the motive and attitude behind the use of such words. I personally believe one can say "crud" in an outburst of anger and be sinning simply because he may have, at that particular point, lost control of his temper. Christians have no excuse to lose control of their spirit at any point ("he that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, and without walls" {Prov 14:25???}). "He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly" (Eccl 7, around v9 I think). Generally, what makes cussing a sin is the spirit behind it. We've just attached words to it in most cases.

Now, what about when, just in general conversation, you use such words with no anger, and when you are in control of yourself? It goes back to the scriptures mentioned above. Every society develops words which, though they be synonomous with other "safe" words, are unclean. That's just subjective to that society. I could speak some Spanish words in the presence of most Christians and they'd just smile at me, never knowing I just spoke some horrid, filthy thing about or to them. The words, the sounds, seem safe to their ears, but I know better. I even offended a missionary to Mexico unwittingly by trying to use a shortcut word for pants in Spanish. He politely corrected me and admonished me to be more careful trying to take shortcuts.

So, in a nutshell...
1. what's your spirit?
2. what's your culture?

On that 2nd one, yes, it's subjective and can even vary from one part of the country to the next. But Paul recognized such things in Romans 14 and 1 Cor. 10. Liberty vs expediency. Which carries more weight with us?

--B C

 

It's a nasty habit, and one that was very difficult to break. It was much easier to start cussing than to stop. I can't stand to hear a Christian cuss. Not that it makes them less of a Christian, but it really makes them look like everybody else. And from someone who has been cussed at for as long as she can remember, it does not build up other people, and isn't that what we as Christians are supposed to do?

 

Yes it is very much against the Lord, when we use language that does not glorify Him.

It is also very sad to see christians use the Lord's name in vain, like in the movie Left Behind, they use the Lord's name in vain,when I asked the production company if they would change it they said no, it is the best word to use to display and unbeliever, all I said to them was it is not the character useing the Lord's name in vain, but the script writers.

I took my video back to the store for a refund, they were more concerned about losing the money on an opened video, than about the movie having the Lord's name being used in it. Christians need to put their focus back on the Lord and get out of the rut of pleasing themselves.

 

James 1:26
If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

James 2:10-13
10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.
13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with
meekness of wisdom.

Paula

 

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Revelation:
Yes it is very much against the Lord, when we use language that does not glorify Him.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

If this is true than it must be against the Lord for us to simply speak of secular things for doing so cannot possible glorify him. So what language does not glorify Him? you cannot limit it to simple cuss words for in all actuality most of what we say does not glorify Him.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Revelation:
all I said to them was it is not the character using the Lord's name in vain, but the script writers.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

So is it wrong to see sinners sin? I hear cussing all day at school - I don't believe that I am sinning by simply overhearing them. It would be weird for me to NOT hear them cuss and use the Lord's name in vain. In the same way I don't see why it is wrong to see sinners sin (as long as it doesn't cause us to sin) on movies. In the movie Left Behind (which I thought was trash and a horrible testimony of Christian art) the script writers simply showed an act which is totally natural for an unsaved man to do. IT WAS MEANT TFFEND US. It's part of what makes movies to powerful. The carnage in Braveheart made the movie extremely powerful. Without it we would have only the idea of war in our heads and we would have no desire to abstain from it. So I think that of itself carnage is not good but it can be used to force one to think of the reality of the situation and give him a respect for the history that took place (or whatever else it is used for). Cussing, in the same way, may not be good but it can show us the depravity of man (especially when lowers the most HOLY GOD to words that disrespectfully fall from his dirty lips).

Trevor

[ December 01, 2001: Message edited by: TJAcorn ]

 

I'm not going to sit and pretend that I'm lily white here. I do slip every now and then and a cuss word comes out. Most of the time it's when I'm angry. And it's right out of my sinful man-born nature. The bible tells us that the more we yeild ourself to the Spirit, the less of the old sinful nature is there. That just shows us that we need to die to ourselves every single day!! I have noticed though, that I have been saying "flippin'" rather than the other word. It's hard to stop cussing once you've started, but the more we die unto ourselves...the less we'll do it.
Ephesians 4:26
Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

Paula