The Heinous Sin of Profane Cursing and Swearing

Many today believe it is ok to use curse words in everyday interaction.  I am not really sure where this came from but it has even found its way from the pulpit by many well known and “respected” pastors.  I do not mean to over simplify the position but doing so, they say, allows them to contextualize their message and making it relevant to the audience.  There are a couple issues with this reasoning the least of which is God’s word is already relevant so it is the preacher’s job to just convey it and let God work in the lives of whom He chooses.

This message by George Whitefield caught my eye for a couple reasons first of which is that it was delivered in the 1700’s which indicates the phenomenon is not new.  I am not really sure I was surprised though since man is man and there really is nothing new under the sun. 

So for the next few weeks we will be presenting The Heinous Sin of Profane Cursing and Swearing by George Whitefield.  Taken from the text of Matt 5:34 – Enjoy (I apologize in advance for the necessary post breaks).

The Heinous Sin of Profane Cursing and Swearing

George Whitefield

Matt 5:34 -- "But I say unto you, Swear not at all."

Among the many heinous sins for which this nation is grown infamous, perhaps there is no one more crying, but withal more common, than the abominable custom of profane swearing and cursing. Our streets abound with persons of all degrees and qualities, who are continually provoking the holy one of Israel to anger, by their detestable oaths and blasphemies: and our very children, "out of whose mouths," the psalmist observes in his days, "was perfected praise," are now grown remarkable for the quite opposite ill quality of cursing and swearing. This cannot but be a melancholy prospect, for every sincere and honest minister of Jesus Christ, to view his fellow-creatures in; and such as will put him on contriving some means to prevent the spreading at least of so growing an evil; knowing that the Lord (without repentance) will assuredly visit for these things. But alas! what can he do? Public animadversions are so neglected amongst us, that we seldom find a common swearer punished as the laws direct. And as for private admonition, men are now so hardened through the deceitfulness of sin, that to give them sober and pious advice, and to show them the evil of their doings, is but like "casting pearls before swine; they only turn again and rend you." Since matters then are come to this pass, all that we can do is, that as we are appointed watchmen and ambassadors of the Lord, it our duty from time to time to show the people their transgression, and warn them of their sin; so that whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, we however may deliver our own souls. That I therefore may discharge my duty in this particular, give me leave, in the name of God, humbly to offer to your most serious consideration, some few observations on the words of the text, in order to show the heinousness of profane cursing and swearing.

(continued)