1. Euphemisms “Thy Speech Maketh Thee Known” Matthew 26:73

2. Euphemisms  Christians are to guard their speech (Prov. 21:23; Mt. 12:36; Eph. 4:29; 5:4; Col. 4:6; Tit. 2:8; Jas. 1:26; 3:9-12; 1 Pet. 3:10-12)  Many would never think of using words of cursing, profanity, obscenity or vulgarity  Yet, many will use “euphemisms” – the substitution of a mild, indirect, or vague expression for one thought to be offensive, harsh, or blunt

3. Euphemisms and Cursing Many will substitute…  Heck for hell  Darn for damn  Gosh or golly for God  Doggone for God damn  Gee or gee-whiz for Jesus  Crikey for Christ

4. Euphemisms and Sinful Conduct Many will substitute…  “Alternative lifestyle” for homosexuality  “Live in” or “affair” for adultery and fornication  “Lady of the evening” for prostitution  “Disease” or “alcoholism” for drunkenness  “Revenue enhancement” or “gaming” for gambling  “Stretching the truth” or “exaggerating” for lying  “Termination of pregnancy” for abortion / murder

5. Why Euphemisms?  Many want to get as close to the world without being just like the world (Rom. 12:1-2; 1 Jn. 2:15-17)  Many don’t want to be different (1 Pet. 4:4)  Many don’t want to give up their worldly friendships (Jas. 4:4)  Many don’t want to be harsh or offensive (Rom. 12:9)  Many don’t want to call sin what it is (Isa. 5:20)

6. Guard Your Tongue  Rule #1 – think before you speak (Prov. 15:28)  Rule #2 – speak only what is edifying and thankful (Eph. 4:29; 5:4; Col. 4:6) "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer“ (Psalm 19:14)