translations or the New Century Edition, but truly be a bridge to them. Indeed
it is “a remarkable gift.”
(BMH)
bad words breed bad thoughts
One of the remarkable features of contemporary life is how common and
accepted foul language has become. We’re not talking about an occasional
curse when someone drops an anvil on his foot, but the constant use of
obscenities as all-purpose adjectives and fillers in ordinary conversation with
no awareness that others might find this kind of talk disturbing.
People do this thoughtlessly, usually without any malicious intent. It’s just
the way people talk now; some people, too many people. But the significance
and repercussions of it may be more serious than we think.
What does crude language say about how people view themselves and
others? What does it say about the quality of their feelings and thoughts? What
effect does it have on the spiritual sphere in which we live? And on their own
souls.
Foul language is verbal vandalism. New York City made a dramatic
reduction in serious crimes by paying closer attention to relatively minor ones.
“Broken windows policing” sent a message that society cared about the quality
of life in the city, and would not simply accept anti-social behavior. The result
was a dramatic decrease in more serious crimes as well as minor ones.
Here we have an illustration of the principle that: “He who is faithful in
what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is
unjust also in much.” (Luke 16:10)
Words matter. How people speak reflects and affects how they think and
act. Polite language is no guarantee of good thoughts, but it helps; and vile
language encourages vile thoughts and behavior.
“It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a man; but what comes out
of the mouth that defiles a man.” (Matthew 15:11) “For by your words you will
be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:35-37)
(WEO)
newspeak
An expanded use of the word “relationship” has become very common in
movies and television shows. Instead of people having boyfriends, girlfriends,
lovers, fiancés, husbands or wives, they now just have “relationships.” Couples
aren’t married or engaged but are “in a relationship.”
It is striking how quickly this new way of speaking came into vogue, and
how pervasive it is. And it’s getting worse: the word “gender” has replaced
409