(Proverbs 17:7 KJV) Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.
Is this a statement verifying classes? Such a concept is anathema to those of us raised to the concept that “the ground is level at the foot of the cross.” The statement that “all men are created equal” is a belief that is at the center of our faith. All are sinners. All are in need of a savior. We are not Europeans who have the Divine Rights of Kings bred into our inner fiber. We all believe we can walk up to the president and tell him what we think.
Having said that, “excellent” (3499a) “speech” (8193) is not for everyone. “Excellent” (3499a) seems to refer to being not common. The upper classes talk and act different. I don’t know how Southerners feel about our Yankee accents but I know how mid-America feels about a southern accent. I have a lot of respect for the ministry and teaching of J. Vernon McGee, but I could never listen to him. Anyone who can make the word “God” into three syllables is hard for me to take seriously. This is my problem, not his.
We are to be the upper class, not in social snobbery, but in spiritual example setting. We are to exhibit excellent speech. Our language is to be different. That means real difference, not cosmetic differences. Instead of saying, “Oh my God” the kids say, “Oh my gosh.” Instead of “damn it” we say “darn it.” These are cosmetic differences. They emerged in an age when people were concerned about taking the name of the Lord in vain but they still wanted to cuss. They still exhibit a lack of self control and respect for God.
So, does saying, “Gosh darn it” of “Golly gee” send us to hell? I doubt it. It might make us sound like Gomer Pyle, but all it does is make God roll His eyes. It also might make someone who is observing us roll his eyes and take us less seriously. Let us aim for excellent speech.
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2 comments:
I've probably been as guilty of this as anyone else over the years, but you're absolutely correct. I once met a young woman who used the word "blessed" as a foul word. All you had to do to prove it was mentally insert one cuss word or another at each use of that word to discover her REAL feelings, for they always fit perfectly. Hmmm.....I wonder what it says about ME that I caught on so quickly?
I know it is easy to get harsh and legalistic on this point, so I hope it did not come across that way.
I have not checked your blog today. I hope this means you got your new computer and are back in business. I used to have a geek in the house, but he grew up and moved away. Now I have to figure things out myself or call him.
Grace and Peace.
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