While words are “just words,” every word carries a meaning and an influence that is used to communicate and that’s why words matter.

First, let’s define profanity. Strictly speaking, profanity means taking God’s name in vain—to profane it. Therefore, words that are profanity have meaning that conveys disrespect of God. God commands that we not profane His name because His name is holy and it is to be honored and respected. We are to praise His name (Ps 148:13).

Today, a lot of what is called profanity is actually just vulgar speech. It’s really more a matter of propriety that we not speak in a vulgar, irreverent way. The apostle Paul commands us to avoid foolish speech and coarse joking (Eph 5:4).