Foul Language on Television

            As I browse through the list of shows and movies that are offered for viewing on my television each night, I can’t help but notice how many of these shows use foul language on a regular basis. Flipping through the stations I don’t have to watch a show more than 2 minutes in some cases before I start hearing bad words. When I do hear one bad word, I promptly turn the channel onto something else. Such shows as Pawn Stars, Lizard Lick Towing, and the new Dallas series are three of the latest shows that have recently come to my attention. I can only imagine how many curse words I would hear if I watched an entire episode. This was, of course, before we acquired our TV Guardian which is a simple device that you hook up to your television which blocks all foul language in television shows and movies. Before T.V. Guardian came into my house, I had to flip through the channels and hope I didn’t hear any foul language. Now, I can check out a show and if a curse word, or even a “not nice” word is uttered, the T.V. goes mute!

            When I was a kid, it was rare to hear any curse words on any T.V. shows. That wasn’t too long ago, and I cannot help but notice the difference in television today. The only shows I watch on a regular basis are Duck Dynasty and The Andy Griffith show. I do not agree with everything that the Robertson’s on Duck Dynasty endorse, such as a praise team at their church, selling wine with the Duck Commander name on it, and Willie Robertson supporting the Left Behind movie.  I do, however, support the fact that I can watch an entire episode of Duck Dynasty and I do not have to worry about hearing foul language or seeing any other inappropriate material. That is so refreshing nowadays! The Andy Griffith Show is also a great show! I wish shows nowadays were as good as those made back in the 50s and early 60s! Although The Andy Griffith Show shows dancing and social drinking at times, it is still a wonderful show that I also don’t have to be concerned about having foul language or some other embarrassing material.

            When it comes down to what a person watches, he or she has to think about what they are allowing their minds and the minds of their children to be exposed to. Watching a T.V. show which depicts someone using curse words or acting immorally can be an influence on you and others just as if you allowed such a person to spend time with you in your own home. Children are especially impressionable. I cannot tell you how many times I had a child for a client who cursed regularly due, in part, to what he or she was allowed to watch on television.

            Ephesians 4:29 states; “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” Foul language does not help anyone. It only shows that the person using the curse words lacks the verbal capacity to think of anything else more appropriate to say. It can also become a habit, and the best way to avoid making a habit out of saying bad words is to not say one to begin with. According to Ephesians, we should only utter speech that will lift up the spirits of others rather than tear them down. We should also use speech that glorifies God (Psalm  19:14).

            So, what’s the best way to avoid using foul language which can be hurtful to others and is hurtful to God? Do not listen to it! Change the channel when someone on television or on a movie uses a bad word. Tell a friend or relative the error of their way if they choose to curse around you or your children. If you stand up for what is right, then you can guard yourself against temptation for wrongdoing, and likewise lead others to Christ! This not only goes for cursing, but for any sin that you witness or even do yourself. As Romans 8:31 states; “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us who can be against us?"

 

 

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