Profanity

<<rude language or behaviour>>

It includes vulgarity and lack of due respect, especially for God by using His name irreverently, including the exclamation, ‘O my God’. When our conduct doesn’t line up with our profession (of being His child) we are guilty of breaking the Third Commandment, "You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God" as this will not go unpunished

Keep corrupt talk far from your lips – Proverbs 4:24

(Ex 20:7). His name is not to be used in jokes, in making false oaths, for derogatory remarks or cursing, but in genuine praise and in a manner that reveals His true nature (Lev 19:12). Words convey meaning and often our speech betrays or contradicts our ‘good’ lifestyle when under pressure – with words or expressions said that are not part of our normal conversation. When a person says they believe in Christ, unless their life is in the process of transformation from habitual evil practices they are taking the Lord’s name in vain, which is not showing Him the respect He deserves.

When people treat us unkindly rather than wishing evil on them, the correct response is to speak a blessing on them (1 Pet 3:9). We should not use our tongues to curse what has been made in God’s image (Lk 6:28; Rom 12:14; Jas 3:8,9). Even contemplating wrong thoughts and attitudes is unwise (Eccl 10:20). Authorities are to be respected and honoured too, as they have been established by God and we should slander no one (Rom 13:1; Col 1:16; Tit 3:1,2; Heb 13:17).

Sometimes unbelievers ridicule and speak against the Lord, even challenging Him to punish them, not realizing the enormity of their foolish actions (2 Chr 32:16; Jas 2:7). Even as Christians we are answerable for every careless word we speak – unless we have repented for saying it (Mt 12:36; 1 Jn 1:9).