Proverbs‬ ‭4‬:‭24‬ ‭NIV says, ‬‬“Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.” The word for you today is ‘your words matter’.

It’s funny because some people’s battle may be: fornication, anger, gossip, envy. However, some battles are seemingly as insignificant as swearing!

A ‘swear word’ is interchangeable with ‘curse words’. The interesting aspect about it is that the origins of the term isn’t specific, so who knows what kind of evil we invoke over ourselves when we speak foul language. We have watered down the term ‘curse word’ to ‘swear word’ so we don’t feel as convicted about using foul language. When we swear we are simply cursing, and cursing invites evil into one’s life.

Throughout the word we are continually reminded that our words have power. Hebrews 11:3 teaches us that by the word the world was framed and even more in proverbs 18:21 that life and death are in the power of our tongue!

We have direct instructions written in Ephesians 4:29 NIV that no ‘unwholesome talk’ should proceed from our mouth. In all of this what should we take from this meditation? We need to take thought of what we say. It may be that you swear to fill gaps or to signify emotions but at some point you must acknowledge that it has become a habit and negative habits must be broken.

The good news is that through the grace of Christ you can overcome this problem (2 Corinthians 12:9). Firstly, by acknowledging it has become an issue. Secondly, through repentance. Lastly, by making a conscious effort.

We must purify the tongue and ensure our speech is seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6).

Take some time today to ask God to cleanse your tongue and fill your heart and mind with His word to overcome this form of sin.