2022-03 Watch Your Mouth

During the American Revolution, George Washington issued an order against profanity. Washington could not endure the low and wicked practice in the army. He pointed out that profanity is so repulsive and unmanly among soldiers, how could a youth who uses profanity look parents, good people, and their teachers in the face without a sense of guilt and shame?

Here is Washington's order as quoted by Thayer: “ Many and frequent orders have been issued against the unmeaning and abominable custom of swearing, notwithstanding which, with much regret, the General observes that it prevails if possible, more than ever. His feelings are continually wounded by the oaths and in  imprecations of the soldiers, whenever he is in hearing of them. The name of that Being from whose bountiful goodness we are permitted to exist and enjoy the comforts of life is incessantly implicated and profaned in a manner as wanton as it is shocking. For the sake, therefore of religion, decency, and order, the General hopes and trusts that officers of every rank will use their influence and authority to check advice which is as unprincipled as it is wicked and shameful. If officers would make it an enviable rule to reprimand, and if that won't do, to punish soldiers for an offense of this kind, it would not fail of having the desired effect.”

In reference to the above order, and to quote the movie National Treasure, “People don’t talk like that way anymore.” 

I remember years ago, when I said a swear word, and my mother found out… I thought for sure that I was a goner! I am very lucky, and blessed, that my mother was one that taught me the importance of choosing good words after that incident and that I needed to change and not use profane words.  One of the things I do not envy of my teenage children, is the language they have to hear as they walk the halls to and from class at school.  Some of those teenagers that are saying those horrible words are Scouts! It was bad back in my day, and I can only imagine how much worse it is now.  It’s all around us now through music, movies, podcasts, and now even on live TV when they can’t blur out words or mute the sound fast enough on the news. 

As we practice the Scout Law, we should not only be physically Clean. But, also clean in our words.