Avoided Quote by Joseph Fielding Smith
“Profanity is filthiness. A person is known as much by his language as he is by the company he keeps...Filthiness in any form is degrading and soul-destroying and should be avoided.”
About This Quote
Source Sermon: General Conference, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1975
Language reflects character; vulgar speech degrades the soul and reputation, so it should be avoided.
In simple terms: Bad words show bad character.
Key Takeaway
Choose clean speech.
Themes
morality
character
communication
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
advice
spiritual
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- public speaking
- social media
- teaching
- leadership
Key Concepts
spirituality
ethics
self‑control
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your language shape others’ perception of you?
- Can you express strong emotions without profanity?
A Different Perspective
Avoiding profanity can be socially challenging and may limit authentic expression.
![“[I] shall never use profanity except in discussing house rent and taxes. Indeed, upon second thought, I will not use it then, for it is unchristian, inelegant, and degrading--though to speak truly I do not see how house rent and taxes are going to be discussed worth a cent without it.” quote by Mark Twain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b42/mark-twain-22_cents_i-shall-never-use-profanity-except-in-di_2142983.jpg)
![“No theory is too false, no fable too absurd, no superstition too degrading for acceptance when it has become embedded in common belief. Men will submit themselves to torture and to death, mothers will immolate [burn] their children at the bidding of beliefs they thus accept.” quote by Henry George](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/68e/henry-george-8103_absurd_no-theory-is-too-false-no-fable-too-absu_70212.jpg)
