Op-Ed: Let the words of your mouth be acceptable
By Michael W. Ellis
The Bible says, “Let no filthy, corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth”. From the Oval Office, Pentagon, and halls of Congress to playgrounds, the vilest, filthiest, “corrupt communication” spews forth. (Eph 4:29; Col 3:8 KJV)
Americans are “a people of unclean lips” with “mouths full of cursing”—males/females, Democrats/Republicans, old/young, unbelievers/professing Christians. Profane language permeates TV, internet, movies, music, commercials, radio talk shows, bumper stickers, comics, greeting cards—even pulpits. (Isa 6:5; Jer 23:10; Rom 3:13-14; James 3:2-12)
Irreverently using God’s name is so popular that acronyms abound, including names of businesses (OMG! Tacos, Shoes, Nails, etc.).
“O, Lord, Thou only art Holy”. “Holy and reverend is His name.” Many join God’s Holiness with the vilest things. “The foolish people have blasphemed” and “profaned Thy Holy name”. (Lev 22:32; Psa 74:18; 111:9; Rev 4:8; 15:4)
Others take God’s name and attributes in vain unthinkingly with euphemisms— My Goodness!, Good Lord!, Gee! (Jesus), Gosh!, Golly!, Gracious!, Mercy!, etc.. (Exod 34:5-7)
God’s Third Commandment warns, “Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh His name in vain” (Exod 20:7).
The Lord Jesus Christ, “who made man’s mouth” and created “language” said, “Let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay. Whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.” “Swear not at all.” “Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” (Gen 11:1-9; Exod 4:11; Mat 5:34,37; 12:36-37)
“Let the words of my mouth” “be acceptable in Thy sight, O LORD” “My Redeemer.” (Psa 19:14; 71:15)
