The Swear Jar

When I was growing up, my family had what was known as “The Swear Jar”. It was a plain glass mason jar. Maybe your family had a “Swear Jar” too. Basically, the jar was a depository for change…quarters to be exact (a lot for a kid in those days). Any family member caught using foul language had to pay up. As I recall, my brothers and I had an allowance of 50 cents per week.  One slip-up forfeited the opportunity to purchase several Sweet Tart candies.

Interestingly enough, our Swear Jar was retired quickly. My parents were its primary contributors. Bad language has a filter down effect. Once heard by impressionable youth, it tends to be mimicked. I am not an advocate of censoring speech. However, there is more than one way to get a strong point across than by using an expletive.

The Bible has a lot to say about how we use our words:

James 3:10 KJV

Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

Proverbs 16:24 KJV

Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

We all have lapses in our language. Hopefully, we excuse ourselves and repent silently. It’s only human to sometimes “slip-up”. Unfortunately, news outlets feel it necessary to broadcast foul language used by celebrities and people in power. The “trickle down” effect is real. When adults use ungodly words, they indirectly create an atmosphere where foul language is not only tolerated, but viewed as normal. When was the last time you heard someone apologize for swearing in public?

Matthew 12:36 KJV

But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

Perhaps the best way to prevent obscene words from occurring is to count to 3 silently before responding in a rash fashion. This pause gives us a chance to wisely consider our words before they leave our mouths.

I think we all need this reminder.