From the Principal's Desk
Dear Parents,
Every so often students will say a word they shouldn't, not what people would consider "really bad" words, but softer forms of those words, yet those words are a problem nonetheless. They are words like h_ck, cr_p, and d_ng. These words are called euphemisms, milder forms of harsh or vulgar terms. Even though euphemisms are not the direct vulgar words or swear word, they are related to those words and thus communicate the related idea of the foul language. Sometimes people justify the substitute because it is not the worse form, but as I say, the idea is still related.
The framework for our speech ought to center on what Scripture says. For instance, Paul writes in Ephesians 4:29: "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." Corrupt communication is language that has left the course of being upright, excellent, and pure. It doesn't lift up or make better; but is base and defiled. It misuses language for man-centered purposes. Even euphemisms should be purged from our speech.
Another euphemism that is commonly said is g_sh, a substitute for the word "God." It is used as an expression of shock or surprise. Again, people may think that it is acceptable because it is not the offensive version. But these expressions violate the command in Exodus 20:7 "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain." To take God's name in vain is to use His name in a careless, empty, worthless way. It is to say God's name but have no reverence behind it. Psalm 111:9 says that the Lord's name is holy and reverent.
Honor for the Lord should motivate one to speak about God and to reverence His name is a way that shows His worth and glory in a way that shows His greatness and His power.
In all, we are careful with the words our students say. When we hear them say something inappropriate, we correct them. At the same time, these passages of Scripture behoove us as parents to model correct speech. The words we say become the example for what our children say. We should seek to use speech that is uplifting and pure, as well as speech that honors the name and character of God.
Sincerely,
Pastor Sutton
Dear Parents,
Every so often students will say a word they shouldn't, not what people would consider "really bad" words, but softer forms of those words, yet those words are a problem nonetheless. They are words like h_ck, cr_p, and d_ng. These words are called euphemisms, milder forms of harsh or vulgar terms. Even though euphemisms are not the direct vulgar words or swear word, they are related to those words and thus communicate the related idea of the foul language. Sometimes people justify the substitute because it is not the worse form, but as I say, the idea is still related.
The framework for our speech ought to center on what Scripture says. For instance, Paul writes in Ephesians 4:29: "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." Corrupt communication is language that has left the course of being upright, excellent, and pure. It doesn't lift up or make better; but is base and defiled. It misuses language for man-centered purposes. Even euphemisms should be purged from our speech.
Another euphemism that is commonly said is g_sh, a substitute for the word "God." It is used as an expression of shock or surprise. Again, people may think that it is acceptable because it is not the offensive version. But these expressions violate the command in Exodus 20:7 "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain." To take God's name in vain is to use His name in a careless, empty, worthless way. It is to say God's name but have no reverence behind it. Psalm 111:9 says that the Lord's name is holy and reverent.
Honor for the Lord should motivate one to speak about God and to reverence His name is a way that shows His worth and glory in a way that shows His greatness and His power.
In all, we are careful with the words our students say. When we hear them say something inappropriate, we correct them. At the same time, these passages of Scripture behoove us as parents to model correct speech. The words we say become the example for what our children say. We should seek to use speech that is uplifting and pure, as well as speech that honors the name and character of God.
Sincerely,
Pastor Sutton