Is That a Bad Word?

(Proverbs 17:20 KJV)  He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.

Frequently when I try to guide the vocabulary choices of my students I am told, “That isn’t a bad word.”  I suggest that they use it to describe what their mother has prepared for dinner and see if it is acceptable.  If they are honest, that backs them down. 

Often when I am around serious believers from other denominations I will find that they also have a very flexible vocabulary.  What type of language is acceptable for believers?  The only clear statement I can find is in the Ten Commandments.

(Exodus 20:7 KJV)  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.

I can find references to speaking slowly, without anger and such but what about the constant use of “damn” and the sexually explicit words that pepper our public spaces?  I think this verse gives us some guidance.  We should not have a “perverse” (perverted NASB) (2015) “tongue” (language NASB) (3956).  Is this an admonition against crude talk and swearing?  I think so.

So?  I still need to be careful to judge.  This is something we need to ask ourselves in honesty.  How is your vocabulary rated?  Is it perverted or does it bring glory to God?