Paul Tripp: What Makes Bad Language Bad?

Desiring God 2008 National Conference Speaker Interview: Paul Tripp

***A Word from Paul Tripp***

The viewer needs to understand that I am not endorsing a certain vocabulary. Im using a certain vocabulary as an illustration.

Im arguing for a very important biblical principal that wholesome communication must not be reduced to a certain set of words. The biblical standard is the intention of the heart. When I speak every word I speak must be intended to give grace to those who hear. It is possible to use the best of words in an unwholesome way because they do not give grace to the one who hears them.

I made a choice to use the S word to demonstrate the point I was making to my children. I fully understand that others would have not made that choice, but I am concerned that certain people hearing the word I used may completely miss the beauty and the high calling of the passage in Ephesians 4:29.

We all break this command to wholesome communication in some way every day even though we dont use bad language. The church desperately needs this challenge.

-Paul Tripp

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[brentrnelson]

Great explaination! This was very helpful!

[MirageRC3]

Makes total sense. I've been asked in the past by non-Christians why some words are bad. I think Paul's explanation is a good one.

[devmanification]

@joelneubauer But Flanders wouldn't cuss. He'd just say diddley doodley

[devmanification]

@StnCry No, we've skewed holiness to tie it in with our own comfortable version of social propriety, just like the pharisees.

[davehorne]

@jdavidskinner The genocide against the Midianites and the sanctioned taking of the young virgins as trophies, that's what you're defending? Really? That seems like a petty god not the Creator of the Whole Shooting Match.

[LukeoXx]

Been looking for some insight on this for awhile. Thanks for sharing, really helped.

[davehorne]

Tripp states that the Bible has a higher standard than culture does.

Somehow he's forgetting that God sanctions genocide. Of course, Christians disavow the God from the Old Testament.  It's great to pick and choose what to believe.

[lvillalobos]

People confuse legalism and holiness. We should ALL aim to holiness that is for sure. ALL. No excuses, but again, many people in their way to be holy, give their OWN standard in a judgemental way abt their own definition of holiness. Moreover, people, think of a "standard christian" as the typical kid with a suit speaking "softly-nicely" as being holy.We should,as the video says,be practical in our way to minister others with the right heart. Words are just words. It is the heart what matters.

[aeaglechrislb09]

I saw that mustache and said, "SHIT!!! GOD DAMN!!!"

Just saying....just saying.

[IcyScythe]

@StnCry seriously. The American church has gone wayyyyyyyyyyyy overboard with legalism. We should be focusing on the grace of God, period.

[noiz7]

Best video on this topic!!!!!!!!!!!!!