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Text:  Hebrews 12:16

The Problem with Profanity

The Biblical portrait of profanity is quite different than the usual images associated with the word. If it were a simple matter of blasphemous gutter language, one might rid himself of profanity quite easily, and never cross that particular threshold again. However, profanity, as depicted in Scripture, pertains to things sacred and eternal in nature. The truth is that a child of God with exemplary language may find himself engaged in profane conduct. There is a problem with profanity in our day among the people of God!

In Hebrews 12:16 we find these words of caution: "Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright." The writer is addressing Jewish believers. The entire chapter is a series of strong exhortations, including the endurance of persecution and chastening. The immediate context is developed from the command to "Follow peace...and holiness" (v.14) and the participial modifier "Looking diligently" (v.15). What is enjoined here upon every believer is a strong pursuit of the Lord Jesus Christ, exercising watchful oversight and personal responsibility for one’s attitudes and conduct, lest any "fail of the grace of God" (v.15). The failure in view is a lack of empowerment for personal holiness, which itself is a work of grace. Such a failure makes provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof (Romans 13:14), resulting perhaps in bitterness which troubles and defiles, fornication (sexual impurity), or profane conduct which is Esau-like in nature. I know there are good and honest men who understand this passage to speak of apostasy, or a departure from the pre-salvation work of the Spirit. I believe the context warrants a view that true believers are the intended recipients of this exhortation.

The word "profane" is the Greek word bebelos, meaning "that which is permitted to be trodden." The verb form means "to cross the threshold." The profane person is one who violates sacred things, treating them with abuse, irreverence, and contempt. Such a man was Esau, who stood to inherit the role of family leader and priest. In order to satisfy his fleshly appetite, he sold his birthright. The blessings of the future were forfeited for the longings of the present. Things spiritual and eternal were discarded for the physical and temporal. So distorted were Esau’s values! He is a classic example of the degree to which the flesh can dull the sensitivities of men! Esau, from all accounts, was an unsaved man without a righteous standing before God. How unseemly for a saved man or woman to conduct themselves as did Esau. Thus are we warned of the dangers associated with spiritual laziness!

Dear friend, is profanity not rampant in our day? What about the young person who sells their sexual purity for peer acceptance, or a moment of sensual pleasure? How about the combative couple whose idea of conflict resolution is the divorce courts of this world, putting asunder what God joined together? Or the steward who squanders God-given assets on self-indulgence and high risk capital ventures? Or the child of God who neglects the Scriptures due to a myriad of worldly distractions? Or the man of God, who sells his anointing by pleasing men with fair speeches, preaching less than the whole counsel of God? Genuine revival corrects these abuses, makes God’s people other-worldly, and reinstates within the heart of the believer a love for, and a proper valuation of, things sacred! The problem with profanity is that it is far more subtle and pervasive than we realize, and has permeated our society! How sad when the Church is infected!

In closing, I am reminded of the Author and Finisher of our faith, whose valuation of things sacred and eternal was reflected in these rhetorical questions: "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Mark 8:36-37). God grant us, brethren, the wisdom and discernment to pursue holiness of life and its eternal benefits!

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