A Project Genesis website

Obscene Language

Question

I was wondering: What is the Jewish attitude towards foul language?

Answer

The secular courts, particularly in America, have struggled with this question. The prevailing opinion in the courts is, that we cannot define obscenity; rather, we know it when we see it.

The Torah perspective is somewhat simpler. If the speaker has at his/her disposal a more refined way of saying the same thing (making the same point) and does not use the more refined wording, then that is called foul language. This is drawn in the Talmud directly from Biblical sources and is the guiding principle for proper speech. If you can say it in a nicer, more refined way, then you are required to do so.

Simple attitude, no?

Best wishes,
edb

Answered in cooperation with STAR-K Kosher Certification, Baltimore, MD

Follow-up question

Question

I get angry very quickly and the words that I say are not to be mentioned nor repeated. It’s a struggle which I find so hard to win. I know I should do something about it, but everyday I fail. I have 5 children and they really can push me over the edge. Then I loose self-control, and the yelling and cursing starts. Afterwards I feel bad about it and apologize but next day: same old same old….. How do I win this battle?

Answer

It’s very hard to change a bad habit.

Focus on the ideal: You are a vessel that has the potential to hold and radiate Divine light if you conduct yourself properly. If you sully that vessel through your actions or words, you are not worthy of the light. Do you want to live up to your full spiritual potential or not?

Also realize how evil it is to pass that habit on to your own children.

Finally, ask the Almighty for help. This should be done every morning and whenever you feel the bad habit about to manifest itself.