Is Swearing a Violation of the Ten Commandments? - No. - Well, maybe... ???

[David Lamb]

The concept of taboo words (cue the George Carlin tape) is culturally-dependent. I told the story elsewhere (when you get old, you repeat your stories), but one of my Korean vendors told me that Korean doesn't have taboo words, so those in Korea who are bilingual use the English ones when they need to blow off steam. Cussing: One of America's most in-demand exports.

"But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell." -Matthew 5:22

Jesus's point is not that "raca" is the Aramaic equivalent of the F-bomb (the commentaries say it's closer to calling someone empty-headed); what is being highlighted is our practice of using our words to tear down one another (as the James 3:5-10 quote makes clear). It's not the word itself; it's the heart issue behind the words. And that issue crosses all languages and cultures.

And if you disagree with me, raca!

Yes, I agree that what constitutes bad language will vary enormously depending on where and when we live. I don't imagine many Americans or British people go around calling others "Raca" for example.

 

[Lambano]

Yes, I agree that what constitutes bad language will vary enormously depending on where and when we live. I don't imagine many Americans or British people go around calling others "Raca" for example.

I'll try it next time somebody towing a boat on the motorway tries to cut across 2 lanes of traffic to get to an exit he must've known was coming. (I was in the first of those two lanes.)

 

[David Lamb]

I'll try it next time somebody towing a boat on the motorway tries to cut across 2 lanes of traffic to get to an exit he must've known was coming. (I was in the first of those two lanes.)

I think what it boils down to is what is in our hearts. People here in the UK use innocent-sounding words or phrases to avoid using swear words (Goodness!, Blimey - contraction of "Blind me" and many others). But if in their hearts the thought is just the same as if they were using an actual swear word, then that is wrong too, for God looks at the heart.

 

[Lambano]

The pattern I'm seeing here is the practice of respecting everything about God, and keeping it set apart. Isn't that the definition of holiness?

 

[Lambano]

(Goodness!, Blimey - contraction of "Blind me" and many others).

The subject of sweraring has fascinated me ever since my sister bought a cuss bank back in the '70s. The cost of !*+-), *%$#, and #@{? was only 25 cents US back then; I wonder what the effect of 50 years of inflation has been?

 

[Lambano]

It's said here in the southeastern part of the US that when one of the locals tells you "Well, bless your heart!", what they're REALLY saying is not a blessing.

 

[MatthewG]

If I’m really feeling it, I love to cuss. I’ll even use the GD word sometimes. People believe God looks down on that… but God sees my heart, and actions go further than words right?

 

[MatthewG]

It's said here in the southeastern part of the US that when one of the locals tells you "Well, bless your heart!", what they're REALLY saying is not a blessing.

That’s true. As humans we really don’t give a damn at the end of the day most of the time, can walk right by a wreck and be just fine. Someone prob done called, who cares. Though not everyone may have that type of attitude. I know I am capable of just not caring at all.