There are certain headlines that I never expected to read:
"Deep Fried Cheese Curds Named American Heart Association's Meal of Choice!"
"McDonalds Introduces the Fat Free Big Mac!"
"Swearing Could Be Good for You!"
You can imagine my surprise when I actually saw the latter of these three printed in Time Magazine.
ADVERTISEMENT
The article covered a study made by Keele University in England that supposedly verified swearing in moderation enables people to withstand pain and relieve stress.
They even developed a theory of why we swear in the first place, believing it is a refined "yelp" that we would have expressed, had we not evolved into the advanced life forms we are today.
I'm doubting the accuracy of the study for two reasons: First, I unfortunately witness people swearing everyday, and none of them look any more relieved as a result. In fact, it is my observation that we swear the most when we are at our emotional worst.
Secondly, since when is a well-defined expletive an evidence of greater human development? Doesn't the use of profanity reveal the lack of refinement?
Swearing is not evidence of an advanced development, but of a fallen nature. Jesus taught, what comes out of the mouth is a reflection of what resides within the heart, and once expressed, can make the person unclean (Mt. 15:18-20).
Jesus believed swearing was a detriment, not a benefit. Hmm, I wonder who we should believe.
As much as I disagree with the accuracy of the study, it does have me wondering what my dog is saying when I accidentally step on him in the night. I might have to wash his mouth out with soap.
