Small Talk

“But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.”

For those of us who are veteran verbiage abusers, this verse carries a lot of clout. When we read it, we instantly withdraw in self-righteous horror at the thought that something we commonly say could be called profane or vain. Do we not have a purpose for everything that we say? Maybe we talk a little too much, but certainly our speech would not hurl us headlong into more ungodliness. Please. That would be judging unfairly.

Shut up a minute. Good. Now, let’s think.

Profane means that our speech is not about godly things, but things that are worldly or sinful. It means that we regard the baser things of humanity, and includes vulgarity and cursing. Sound familiar? If not, hang on.

Vain means that our speech is worthless, has no value, and is basically a waste of breath. It means that we had no purpose in saying what we did, and we accomplished nothing of real value by our speech. Vain words require no effort to produce. They just come.

Let’s consider our speech. Do we joke? Do we insult in fun just for a reaction? Do we talk about people doing worthless things? The list could go on. You find your own problem areas.

But, how does this increase unto more ungodliness? If you really can’t figure it out, then think out loud. Talking your way through it might just be the key.