#*&$ ?? – Profanity at work boosts team spirit?

A British study says that regular swearing at work can help boost team spirit among staff. According to the researchers, studied the use of profanity in the workplace allows workers to better express themselves and develop better social relationships.

The study suggests that swearing in front of customers should be seriously discouraged or banned, but in other circumstances it can “help foster solidarity” with peers.

I say “bull.”

There are far too many people who use their mouths instead of their brains. Many a manager has adopted profanity instead of persuasion to lead. Instead of controlling ones emotions, cussing demonstrates a lack of control. Depending on shock language demonstrates a severe lack of intelligence, verbal skill, and creativity.

And for the Red Letter Believer, the Christian who is trying to live out their faith, it is never acceptable. Your words indicate your heart.

Jesus said, “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.”

And James admits, “We all stumble in many ways,” but he also identifies the biggest stumbling block “Those who are never at fault in what they say are perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.” He likens the tongue to a bridle on a horse.

Some say that businesses have no business allowing potty talk – and have banned it.

One entrepreneur, has even began a consulting firm where he helps clients cut down on cussing.

“Even though swearing is common,” says James O’Connor, president of O’Connor Communications. “I don’t think it’s appropriate in the office. I think it expresses negativity.”

Connors believes cussing comes from “laziness and negative attitudes.””If you show you have emotional control, you look more professional and are more likely to earn respect from people,” he said.

We need to rise above the coarse culture – and it starts with our tongues.

Ephesians 5:4 says, “Let there be no be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.”