The Chronicles of Biscuit - "My Daddy Says Bad Words"

A few years ago we were watching a baseball game, when the coach stopped by to visit our family.  Biscuit, then age 5, said (out of the blue!), "My daddy says bad words."  Joe and I looked at each other kind of puzzled - knowing that he doesn't say bad words and wondering what Biscuit might say next.  The coach looked at us, also realizing it was an awkward moment.  I asked Biscuit what he thought daddy said that was bad and he said, "Daddy says, "Whoa, Nelly!""  We all got a kick out of that!

You know, many parents would be afraid (and possibly embarrassed) if their child told someone that they said bad words, but we knew that we didn't so didn't have to worry.  Of course, there could have been a possibility that Biscuit could have heard a word elsewhere that could have been repeated, but at that time of his life, I didn't think so.  He didn't go to preschool and we don't watch anything on TV that has bad language, so I was pretty sure he didn't even know any "bad" words.

The Bible speaks a lot about the words we say and about the words we shouldn't say.  Here are just a few of the scriptures dealing with our words:

"You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name." Deuteronomy 5:11

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Ephesians 4:29

"But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." Matthew 12:36-37

As our children (or grandchildren) grow up, their little ears are listening to everything we say.  Are the words you are saying repeatable?  Would you be embarrassed to have them repeated?  Are they (as the above scriptures point out) free from using God's name in vain?  Are they helpful and uplifting or unwholesome?  Are your words careless?

Let's all make a point to watch the words we say and also strive to say only what will glorify God and be uplifting to others.