Some Christians have allowed Hollywood movies of profanity and vulgarity to influence them more than the word of God; and this is tragic in my view. The use of foul language is no longer restricted to unbelievers. Shockingly, some Christians have been using foul language without any remorse. The tragedy is that they don’t see anything wrong with it and see it as normal. The fact that forbidden words such as the “F” word are being used in most movies do not make them right. These words are forbidden to be spoken openly in public or any gathering for that matter because they’re obscene or dirty.

Profanity is basically an offensive word or offensive language. Also called bad language, foul language, vulgar language, lewd language, swearing or cursing among others. All over the world, no radio or TV station of reputable state tolerate foul language. If a TV station of reputable state wants to show a movie in which a foul language is used, the beep sound is used instead or that part is removed before it’s shown to the public – this is something that is very noticeable especially when the movie is being shown during daytime. You won’t see the BBC, CNN, Al Jazeera or any international media allow people to use profane language. They normally tell you that “swearing or cursing is not allowed”.

In fact, such words are considered so dirty to the extent that they don’t write them in full. They are not writeable, so you’ll see them written like these: F*&k, s#$t, c**t, a***hole, etc. These words are just dirty but Hollywood has made them look normal. The devil has succeeded in using Hollywood to make things that are abnormal look normal.

The Bible actually advises us against foul language. In fact, in the Book of Ephesians, we are told: “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”, (Ephesians 4:29, KJV).

In another translation, it says: “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them”, (Ephesians 4:29, NLT). Paul emphasized the same thing in chapter 5 and advised against obscene stories, foolish talk and crude jokes (Ephesians 5:4). Yes, you read that right – crude joke. Jokes that make people laugh but are dirty in nature should not be coming from Christians.

In another letter, Paul stressed the same need to avoid using foul language. He wrote, “But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth”, (Colossians 3:8, KJV). In the following two verses, Paul talked about the need to put these things off, because as Christians the old man has been put off and the new man is renewed in the knowledge of the image of Christ, (Colossians 3:9,10). Knowledge of Jesus Christ should make you avoid using foul words – spoken or written.

The next time you’re tempted to use foul or profane language, remember that you’re a new man in Christ and you aren’t supposed to do it. Let us be like the Psalmist and be guided by these words: “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer“, (Psalm 19:14, KJV).

Stay blessed.