Profanity

We should always use the names of Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost with reverence and respect. Misusing their names is a sin. Profane, vulgar, or crude language or gestures, as well as immoral jokes, are offensive to the Lord and to others.

Foul language is both degrading and harmful to the spirit. We should not let others influence us to use foul language. Instead, we should use clean language that uplifts and edifies others, and we should choose friends who use good language. Setting an example will encourage those around us to use clean language. If friends and acquaintances use profanity, we can good-naturedly encourage them to choose other words. If they persist, we can politely walk away or change the subject.

Those who have developed the habit of swearing can break it. They must begin by making a decision to change and then pray for help.

See also Modesty; Temptation

—See True to the Faith (2004), 128–29

• "Standing Up to Profanity"

  Paula K. Boothe, Ensign, Apr. 2001, 35–37
  We can be an influence for good in speaking out for clean, respectful language.

• "The Clean Voice of Youth"

  Boyd K. Packer, New Era, Jan. 1976, 4–6
  There is no need for any of us to use profanity. Realize that you are more powerful in expression without it.

• "Profanity"

  Robert K. Dellenbach, Liahona, Sept. 1996, 28–30; or New Era, May 1992, 46–49
  It's the same mouth you use to pray, to bear testimony, or to bless the sacrament. Be careful to keep it clean.

• "Words of Darkness, Words of Light"

  John S. Gholdston, Ensign, Jan. 1992, 56–59
  We can teach youth that power in language doesn't depend on expressions that are vulgar or profane the names of deity.

• "Take Not the Name of God in Vain"

  Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, Nov. 1987, 44–48
  Stay away from conversation that is sprinkled with foul and filthy words. You will be happier if you do so, and your example will give strength to others.

• "Reverent and Clean"

  Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign, May 1986, 49–52
  Those who profane the name of God inevitably relinquish the companionship of His Spirit.

• "Profanity and Swearing"

  Ted E. Brewerton, Ensign, May 1983, 72–74
  If we are not most careful with our thoughts and speech, the words we use will use us. Language has its own ethics, and one who communicates truth is like a bright light in the darkness.

• "President Kimball Speaks Out on Profanity"

  Spencer W. Kimball, Ensign, Feb. 1981, 2–5
  We cannot take the name of the Lord in vain with impunity. . . . The Lord has told us that we are accountable for indecent language.

Search Church magazines for content related to this topic.

• "Profanity"

  Guide to the Scriptures

• "Language"

  For the Strength of Youth, 22

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