New Reminders: Habits

One of the richest men in the world, Warren Buffett, quietly stepped down from his position as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway just before the fireworks kicked off 2026. At the age of 95, Buffett handed over the reins to his successor, Greg Abel, on December 31, 2025, after guiding the company for six decades.  The Oracle of Omaha’s net worth is about $150 billion, and he has often used a modified quote from others: “Chains of habit are too light to be felt until they are too heavy to be broken.”  That statement has a unique way of relating to both positive and negative actions so it’s a pearl of wisdom for either progress or prevention. Wall Street Journal, 1/2/26, p. A.I.

Most of us would like to be able to emulate Mr. Buffet’s habit of making money, but we do not have the skills or opportunities to do so.  However, we do have the God given ability and opportunity to subscribe to or reject his premise that some habits can sometimes go unnoticed until they become so engrained that it is almost impossible to break them.

I have noticed that there has been an increased prevenance of the use of some filthy habits of speech and writing that have become common. The use of vulgar, derogatory and “dirty” terms has increased in everything from everyday casual communications to formal literary works.  The unnecessary overuse of certain words, that previously were considered obscene and were not considered acceptable, now seem to have become not only accepted but routine. News media personalities, government officials, writers and commentators, novelist and everyday citizens often perpetuate language that they would not want to hear their children repeat, yet no doubt do hear children speak on the playground.  

Ephesians 4:29 states: “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.” Colossians 3:8 instructs believers: “But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.” We are to eliminate "filthy language," "obscenity," and "coarse joking" from our conversations. Instead, we are to use words to "build up" and meet the needs of others, rather than tearing them down. Jesus taught that speech originates in the heart, meaning profane language is a symptom of a deeper spiritual issue (Matthew 15:18, 12:34). The Bible warns against cursing, slander, malice, and taking the Lord’s name in vain. Instead of foul language, believers are encouraged to use their voices for thanksgiving and sharing truth in love. While the Bible does not provide a specific list of forbidden words, it focuses on the intent and impact of speech, encouraging believers to avoid anything that is not wholesome and gracious.