Compast Check: Q & A

I have heard about euphemisms, but would
you please explain more about them?

Euphemisms are “the substitution of a mild, indirect, or vague
expression for one thought to be offensively blunt or harsh”
(Random House Dictionary of the English Language). Let’s notice
some details about euphemisms and additional principles so
we don’t take God’s name in vain.
God’s name should not be used to curse or damn
One way to take God’s name in vain is to use it to curse or
damn people, things or situations.
“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in
vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His
name in vain” (Exodus 20:7).
The word “vain” as used in the Third Commandment has
several meanings. One meaning is to not use the name of the
Lord your God in a destructive way. Another meaning is to not
use God’s name in an empty or useless manner.
It is blasphemy and an insult to the wonderful and loving
Eternal God to use His name in such a worthless manner. How
would we like it if millions of people would use our name to
curse someone or something? Revelation 4:11 states that God
is to be honored at all times, including in our speech: “You are
worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You
created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created.”
In Matthew 6:9, Jesus taught: “In this manner, therefore,
pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.” We are
instructed here to honor, respect and treat as holy the name
of God.
We are to honor God’s name because God is holy, and His
holy name should not be used for destructive purposes.
God’s name should not be used carelessly (flippantly)
In some people’s speech “God” is simply used as a filler
or expressive word. “God,” “oh God” and “oh my God” are all
forms of the careless use of God’s name. These statements
usually have nothing to do with God and are in no way giving
Him honor or referencing His holiness. This kind of use
brings disrespect to God’s name by making it commonplace
and without substance, rather than honoring, respecting and
giving Him reverence.
Unfortunately it is now common to see the term “OMG”
in texts. This clearly breaks the Third Commandment.
Euphemisms are word substitutions
There are many harmless euphemisms such as “don’t

cry over spilled milk” (to be unhappy about what cannot be
undone) or “cash-flow issues” (running out of money). These
phrases use word substitutions for displaying a thought or
feeling. Unfortunately some euphemisms use replacement
words for God in expressions of frustration or anger—“gosh”
and “golly” used in place of God and “gee” or “jeeze” for Jesus.
Just because the actual name God or Jesus is replaced by other
words or sounds does not take away the intent or meaning.
Sometimes we can use the euphemisms for God’s names without
even realizing it. This is another way people take His name
in vain.
The question-and-answer segment in a past issue of The
Good News (November/December 1988) covered this question
of euphemisms: “Expressions such as ‘gosh’ or ‘gee’ are
used as substitutes for the names of God the Father and Jesus
Christ . . . they are thinly disguised expressions of strong profanity
and blasphemy . . . as such, you should avoid using such
words yourself, and you should teach your children not to use
them . . . A person with an adequate vocabulary does not need
to use such “filler” words, but is able to express himself or herself
in intelligent, reverent speech . . . euphemisms do not add
anything sensible to statements.”
Conclusion
The attitude behind the expression is extremely
important—often it is one of anger, frustration or a lack of
self-control. But once followers of God recognize these are
all unnecessary manners of speech that violate the Third
Commandment, they should rid their vocabulary of these
expressions.
As Christians, we strive to purify our speech in accordance
with Ephesians 4:29: “Let no corrupt word proceed out
of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that
it may impart grace to the hearers.” Our daily goal should be to
honor God in all that proceeds out of our mouth. CC

By Steve Nutzman