Profanity is disrespect or contempt for sacred things. It includes casual or irreverent use of the name of any member of the Godhead. It also includes any type of unclean or vulgar speech or behavior.
Additional Information
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
Scripture References
Church Magazine Articles
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We can be an influence for good in speaking out for clean, respectful language.
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Coach, there are men in the making on the practice field. Haven’t you learned that when a boy wants so much to succeed and he hasn’t pleased you, silence is more powerful than profanity?
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It’s the same mouth you use to pray, to bear testimony, or to bless the sacrament. Be careful to keep it clean.
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“Words of Darkness, Words of Light”
We can teach youth that power in language doesn’t depend on expressions that are vulgar or profane the names of deity.
“The Clean Voice of Youth”
“Profanity”
“Take Not the Name of God in Vain”
“Reverent and Clean”
“President Kimball Speaks Out on Profanity”
Additional Study Materials
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"Language"
For the Strength of Youth, 22 -
"Profanity"
Guide to the Scriptures
