The Bible has a lot to say- - about what we say.  In fact, there are various warnings throughout Scripture about matters that would fall under the heading, “Sins Of The Tongue.”  For example, there is the third commandment which teaches: “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain…” (Ex. 20:7).  Further, the New Testament addresses such subjects as “speaking evil” and “swearing falsely,” etc.  But there is another misuse of the tongue that draws little attention that I would like for us to consider here, namely, euphemisms.

A “euphemism” is a word that is substituted for another word because it sounds better, although it means the same thing.  For example, a janitor might be referred to by his euphemism, “custodian.”  Granted, “custodian” might sound better than “janitor,” but the words mean exactly the same thing.  Of course, this is an example of a good euphemism and there is nothing wrong with using such.  But I want to point out that there are also bad euphemisms which we should avoid.  There is no way that I could give an exhaustive list, but here are some often used in every day conversation that should stir our thinking.  “Heck” is a euphemism for “hell.”  “Darn” is the same as “damn.”  “Gosh” and “golly” are euphemisms for “God.”  “Dog-gone” is derived from “God” and “Damn.”  “Drat” really means “God rot.”  “Gee” is a contraction of “Jesus.”  Et. al.  (These definitions can be easily checked by consulting a standard dictionary.)

Many people would never consider employing profanity in their vocabulary or using God’s name in vain, yet they may be guilty by doing so euphemistically.  Truly, a lot of us have grown up hearing these words used freely and may use them ourselves; however, that does make them right.

Thus, bad euphemisms should be stricken from our vocabulary, so that we will honor God with our lips as well as in other ways.  Remember, it was Jesus who said, “Every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.  For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Mat. 12:36-37).