Is it a sin to swear? I’ve been wondering about this over the last couple of days, since I read a comment on Facebook about our prime minister, “David F…wit Cameron” (apparently). It’s not that I’m a particular supporter of David Cameron but I was rather shocked, not only by the expression (which conjures a strange and unpleasant mental image), or the lack of respect, but mainly because the author was a middle-aged Christian woman. Neither the expression nor the sentiment seemed to fit.

So I asked Google if it’s a sin to swear (it used to be when I went to Sunday school) and there are many forums discussing this point. Here is just one of the answers:

The quick answer is, yes, it is a sin to cuss or swear or curse. Ephesians 4:29 says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” That seems pretty clear! Also, 1 Peter 3:10 adds, “For whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.” Not clear enough yet? James 3:9-12 says, “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.”

Of course, I have sinned in this respect but I’m repentant (I hate myself for being vile – Sunday school wasn’t completely wasted on me!). However, I’ve not “synned”, at least not too much, because I have lost one pound in weight since I joined Slimming World last week. Not much to crow about but I’m keeping at it and being good.

What of the “White Knights” in the title? Well those are the white blood cells I envisage as victors over the attacking cold germs in my attempts at positive thinking. As yet there is an impasse around the region of my throat – at present barely a word is audible from my lips… and certainly no expletives!