Wrestling With Faith

Does it matter how I talk? Is it really wrong to use cuss words?

"With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water." - James 3:9-12

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve that Holy Spirit of God, with who you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling, and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." - Ephesians 4:29-32

"Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper of God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or course joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving." - Ephesians 5: 1-4

As look at these scriptures we easily see that how we talk does matter to God.  God first tells us that we should be acting in a manner that glorifies God and uplifts others.  Does cursing, talking crude or dirty does that glorify god?  Does it lift up others?  The answer is no.  Therefore we should talk that way.  It further tells us that we should not talk in a manner that displays anger, rage, or slander of another individual.  It says that such behavior is out of place for God's people.  This means that if you are a believer and you cuss and talk crudely, or always talking dirty then you have a heart issue.  The bible tells us that what come out of our mouths it what comes out of our heart.  The first scripture tells us that both praising God and talking this way to others cannot come out of the same mouth.  

So, the simple answer is yes it really does matter.  We should be praising God, offering thanksgiving and speaking in a manner that glorifies God in all that we do and uplifts our brothers and sisters.  The sad part is so many people think it does matter? They are really wrong and I am not saying this to say I told you so, but instead to encourage us to consider how we are talking and to change our language to that which is questionable to that which clearly glorifies God.