I am not speaking theoretically but from the trenches of spiritual warfare and realizing the outcome of these positions. I've had OJT or "on-the-job training" and have felt blessed by my stands. Once when I applied for a job a profane word slipped out and she said the interview was now over. I learned my lesson and hope to teach others that they can be judged by the content of their language. As believers, we are always on display like we live in a glass house. Do not tolerate bad language especially from fellow Christians or those who claim to be. Sometimes we can say more by our silence (like Jesus did) than by saying something and someone has said that he has often regretted his speech, but never his silence. These verses may apply: "...but a man of understanding holds his tongue" (Proverbs 11:12); "...but from the LORD comes the reply of the tongue" (Prov. 16:1).
Let me point out that the best witness against foul talk is clean and articulate talk that isn't peppered with profanity. You don't want to jeopardize a witnessing opportunity by bringing up a pseudo-issue like this that might bring extra cleavage, so have a tolerance level and know when it is time to speak and when to keep your peace. As Christians we don't talk wholesomely because we have to, but because we are cleansed and want to. God will rebuild us: "...I will wait for my renewal to come" (Job 14:16). Solomon's admonition: "Do not let your mouth lead you into sin" (Eccles. 5:6).
Too many Christian have grown lax on their tolerance of people's language, no matter how foul it becomes, thinking they are being "nice" by not saying anything--they have developed an "anything-goes" mentality because of overexposure. They are confirming them in their sin that it is acceptable and fine and doesn't offend. To take no stand on an issue is nothing but cowardice if you really believe that potty mouth is okay, they use it yourself! If not take a stand and let the person have a piece of your mind (try not to condemn or judge though) and let them know. You are doing them more of a favor by being honest, even if it "offends" them. Remember we are to be "holy" and this cannot be in the presence of filth. In other words, don't be a fickle chameleon that changes like a weather vane to whatever kind of people you are around--that's hypocrisy. I can usually tolerate a little creative vulgarity or gutter talk, but when they carelessly use God's name frivolously or in vain (I do not mean cursing or cussing, but invoking Christ), I feel compelled to object: On one occasion someone did just that and I said, "Please WATCH your tongue!" It worked!
If you wouldn't talk that way in church you shouldn't be two-faced and approve of it at home or place of business or leisure. There is no neutral territory--you are either for or against it. It is like being lukewarm and Christ not knowing where you stand. Christ can give you the nerve to stand up for Jesus and not condone such talk. For Jesus said in the Beatitudes that the pure in heart shall see God.
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in thy sight O God" (cf. Psalm 19:14). "...keep watch over the door of my lips" (cf. Psalm 141:3). "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth" (Eph. 4:29). Even David was known to pray for a clean mind: "Create in me a pure heart O God" (cf. Psalm 51:10). God commands us to watch our lip and if we cannot control our tongue James says our religion is worthless (cf. James 1:26).
At least say something or let them know you a Christian when the time comes to take your stand: Don't just keep on pretending you don't notice. There is a difference between an occasional slip of the tongue ("No man can tame the tongue" per James the Great) and someone deliberately trying to shock and offend you or someone else. When I was in the Army I had to take my stand against drill sergeant in Basic Training and was summarily shipped to another company that had a Christian captain in charge.
In summation, I am forgiving, sympathetic, and understanding and wise enough not to make rash judgment calls, but there does come a time when you must speak up or forever hold your peace--it's like having the moment of truth (what kind of person are you?). I've come to the time when I just couldn't take it anymore and had to object. But bear in mind that the goal is to witness and let them know what kind of person you are, in other words. Soli Deo Gloria!
Let me point out that the best witness against foul talk is clean and articulate talk that isn't peppered with profanity. You don't want to jeopardize a witnessing opportunity by bringing up a pseudo-issue like this that might bring extra cleavage, so have a tolerance level and know when it is time to speak and when to keep your peace. As Christians we don't talk wholesomely because we have to, but because we are cleansed and want to. God will rebuild us: "...I will wait for my renewal to come" (Job 14:16). Solomon's admonition: "Do not let your mouth lead you into sin" (Eccles. 5:6).
Too many Christian have grown lax on their tolerance of people's language, no matter how foul it becomes, thinking they are being "nice" by not saying anything--they have developed an "anything-goes" mentality because of overexposure. They are confirming them in their sin that it is acceptable and fine and doesn't offend. To take no stand on an issue is nothing but cowardice if you really believe that potty mouth is okay, they use it yourself! If not take a stand and let the person have a piece of your mind (try not to condemn or judge though) and let them know. You are doing them more of a favor by being honest, even if it "offends" them. Remember we are to be "holy" and this cannot be in the presence of filth. In other words, don't be a fickle chameleon that changes like a weather vane to whatever kind of people you are around--that's hypocrisy. I can usually tolerate a little creative vulgarity or gutter talk, but when they carelessly use God's name frivolously or in vain (I do not mean cursing or cussing, but invoking Christ), I feel compelled to object: On one occasion someone did just that and I said, "Please WATCH your tongue!" It worked!
If you wouldn't talk that way in church you shouldn't be two-faced and approve of it at home or place of business or leisure. There is no neutral territory--you are either for or against it. It is like being lukewarm and Christ not knowing where you stand. Christ can give you the nerve to stand up for Jesus and not condone such talk. For Jesus said in the Beatitudes that the pure in heart shall see God.
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in thy sight O God" (cf. Psalm 19:14). "...keep watch over the door of my lips" (cf. Psalm 141:3). "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth" (Eph. 4:29). Even David was known to pray for a clean mind: "Create in me a pure heart O God" (cf. Psalm 51:10). God commands us to watch our lip and if we cannot control our tongue James says our religion is worthless (cf. James 1:26).
At least say something or let them know you a Christian when the time comes to take your stand: Don't just keep on pretending you don't notice. There is a difference between an occasional slip of the tongue ("No man can tame the tongue" per James the Great) and someone deliberately trying to shock and offend you or someone else. When I was in the Army I had to take my stand against drill sergeant in Basic Training and was summarily shipped to another company that had a Christian captain in charge.
In summation, I am forgiving, sympathetic, and understanding and wise enough not to make rash judgment calls, but there does come a time when you must speak up or forever hold your peace--it's like having the moment of truth (what kind of person are you?). I've come to the time when I just couldn't take it anymore and had to object. But bear in mind that the goal is to witness and let them know what kind of person you are, in other words. Soli Deo Gloria!