In Hartford, Connecticut, police officers are trying the next best thing—decreasing the cursing and swearing in high schools by fining students $103 for each infraction.

According to police officer Roger Pearl, it is working and students are keeping their language in check. "Before, the kids were swearing all the time. It went from many incidents to almost nothing. It's quiet in the halls," said Mr. Pearl (www.janetrosier.com, Nov. 30, 2005).

Though it seems drastic to fine students or their parents for a student's foul language, it illustrates an important point in today's society—lack of respect. Cursing and taking God's name in vain are obvious sins according to the Ten Commandments.

Even mild versions of euphemisms are not right, as they will become a habit, but most importantly, they show lack of respect for God.

Foul language, likewise, shows lack of respect for people around us. Words carry meaning and attitude with them and foul or coarse language carries with it degrading, angry attitudes.

Colossians 3:8 says, "But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth."

Each language of the world contains thousands of uplifting words; you can show respect to others each day by using more of them! For more information on God's laws, request or download The Ten Commandments.