The word “swear” carries multiple definitions including the idea of taking an oath or vow, something that is not inherently wrong. For this devotional we’ll limit the discussion to swearing that falls in the category of profanity.
Think about one of those parenting moments when your completely innocent child approached you and asked, “What does ‘&*#%$’ mean?” Did your jaw drop? Did you demand to know where he or she heard that word? Or how about a time when your child got frustrated and let an expletive fly that surprised you?
We live in a profane world – a world that uses the full spectrum of vocabulary to describe feelings. We are naive to think our kids won’t pick up on this verbiage, or that they won’t test the waters to see if they are allowed to use certain words.
Ephesians 4:29 states, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
This scripture can help us practically address the issue of swearing with our kids.
- Are your words wholesome? The word wholesome means morally healthy. Don’t be fooled, our words are a direct reflection of our hearts. (Matthew 12:34). Those who are morally sound speak words that are full of life. Those who are internally sick speak words that are full of anger, jealousy, or criticism. When your child hears someone speaking profanity, ask him or her what emotion might lay behind those words. Help them to connect the dots between a person’s heart and the language he or she uses.
- Do your words build someone up? Just like fruits and veggies strengthen our bodies, our words are a kind of emotional “food.” Wholesome words not only indicate that our heart is healthy, these words also benefit others – like handing them an apple. Ask, “Was that a helpful thing to say?” or “Who was encouraged by what you said?” Words that are not beneficial are not worth speaking.
- Watch your tongue! Without question, a child’s language most reflects what he or she hears at home. This includes the use of profanity, but kids also pick up on attitudes that stand behind a parent’s words. Take a moment to consider the words you use when you are upset, angry, or frustrated. What “expletives” fly out of your mouth when you are shocked? In this case, it is your words that build up your children according to their needs. They should benefit from what you have to say.
Camper Corner
Where do you hear profanity spoken the most? What might this person’s words say about the healthiness of his or her heart?
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