the power of words

     I don't swear. I've never said a "bad word" in my life, but I'm afraid that when I go get my wisdom teeth removed, while I'm on all kind of weird drugs, I'll lose control of myself and start cussing out the nurses or something. Anyway, the main reason I don't swear is because I'm a Christian and the Bible clearly speaks out against foul language: "But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth." Colossians 3:8 
     I choose not to swear. However many of my friends do, and that's their choice, which is fine. I don't mind that much. But I've made some observations about people when using bad language, and they are as follows:

• swearing is a tool for whiners and complainers
• swearing is insulting
• swearing shows a lack of self control
• swearing turns discussions into arguments
• swearing neglects more meaningful words

     Basically, 9 times out of 10, foul language comes hand in hand with a lousy attitude. Granted, this is not always true. Yes, sometimes people swear when they are super excited and glad about something, not only when they're complaining about something. And to be fair, there are certain situations where I think cussing would be appropriate. For instance, if I was an astronaut on the Challenger before it exploded in a fiery inferno, and I knew that was about to happen, I'd probably say, "Oh sh*t."
     However, since swearing has become more widely common and accepted in our culture, I believe the power of that "strong language" has been lessened. Now that foul words are so ingrained in the vocabulary of young people today, those words have lost their effectiveness and most of the shock value.
     Side thought: Cuss words aren't the only kind of "strong language" out there.  ALL words are a powerful tool. The things we say to people have the potential to make a pretty decent impact on them  good or bad. I've been cussed out a few times in my life, usually by someone on the freeway after I accidentally cut another driver off, and of course that doesn't bother me, because I don't know them. I've also had people say awful and rude things about me in an attempt to be funny and make a joke. I didn't laugh, but again the words didn't carry that much weight.
     The most hurtful things that have been said to me, were said by people who I used to think of as friends. By people that I loved. There was no swearing involved, but words were said that hurt me like a knife wound. (Sorry for being dramatic)
     Anyway...I don't really know what point I'm trying to make here...Just whatever your view on swearing is, and what words are and aren't acceptable in what contexts, I don't really care. It's kind of a personal thing, and we live in a country with the freedom of speech. But I do think that it's very, very important that we always choose our words carefully. Use them to encourage, and build people up, rather than tearing them down. Use them to inspire, not to hurt. Be respectful. Everything is just nicer that way.