“Minced Oaths”

Over time I have been concerned that Christians have allowed so called Minced Oaths to slip into daily conversations.

We should be careful how we speak and be careful what words we use.

What is a Minced Oath?  “A form of cursing that replaces a direct curse word with a more acceptable word [better sounding word] which in effect does the same thing.”  Or a euphemistic phrase.

Euphemisms: According to the Macquarie Dictionary “The substitution of a mild, indirect, or vague expression for a harsh or blunt one”.

Let me give you an example of one.  “For goodness sake” meaning “for God’s sake”

Below is a list of the most common ones used and most of these can be confirmed in the Macquarie Dictionary.

Crikey, Cripes — Christ

Gee, Gee wish — Jesus

By Golly, Gosh, Jove — God

For crying out loud — For Christ sake

Jeepers Creepers — Jesus Christ

My Goodness — My God

Strewth — God’s Truth

Lands Sake — For the Lord’s sake  

Also making comments like.  “O my God”

There are many more if you search the internet for “Minced Oaths”.

The bible tells us not to use the Lord’s name in vain. Exodus 20: 7

Do not let unwholesome talk come out of your mouths. Ephesians 4: 29

But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language. Colossians 3: 8

But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment of every careless word spoken. Matthew 12: 36

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness.  Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.  James 3: 9-10

Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. Psalm 141: 3

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight— Psalm 19: 14

Jack Dorrestyn

 

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Life’s Convictions

Minced Oaths