Is Cursing A Sin? (what the Bible REALLY says About Swearing)
Is cursing a sin?
Christians often have pretty strong opinions and quick answers to this question. With Bible verses loaded up to support their stance. For many this is a black and white issue. But I think we’ve oversimplified this question.
Let’s be honest, most of us like the black and white. Is swearing a sin? Yes or no. But the Bible doesn’t always give us these neatly package answers to our questions. Rather it invites us into something deeper. Something more challenging and transformative.
In this post we are going to explore what the Bible says about swearing. And I think what you will see will surprise you and challenge you to step into something deeper.
Let’s dive in.
How We’ve Softened The Language In The Bible
We tend to view the Bible as a book that is pure as in it doesn’t contain anything “bad.” But we couldn’t be more wrong. The Bible is full of stories that would make your grandma blush.
Let me be clear. I’m not saying the Bible is bad. It isn’t. And I’m not saying God isn’t pure and holy. He is. I’m saying the Bible doesn’t hide the messiness and brokenness of human beings.
The Bible is a book that tells of a fallen, broken, and messed up people that do some very disturbing things. We will look at some of those in a minute. The point is, the Bible isn’t as “clean” as some Christians think.
Let’s look at some examples.
We often read the Song of Solomon as a cute little relationship between two lovers. But this is no PG encounter; it’s so explicit that the Jews didn’t let their kids read it until they became adults.
Consider Song of Solomon 5:14. Most translations say something like “his body is polished ivory.” But that’s not a good translation. The wife is comparing an elephant tusk to her husband’s… you know… In other words, she is saying he is WELL endowed.
This book is FULL of extremely sexually explicit imagery. It’s enough to make most people blush.
And that’s not the only book in the Bible that is sexually charged. Genesis 38:8-10 talks about spilling your “seed.” Ezekiel constantly compares Israel to prostitutes in disturbing detail, just look at Ezekiel 23:20. David cuts off 200 Philistines foreskins (1 Samuel 18:25-27). And if you want a story of a violent sex crazed maniac look no further than Samson (Judges 13-16).
Those are just a few examples of the sexually explicit content. There’s other offensive words the Bible uses too.
Paul wasn’t shy about harsh language. He used the word skubala in Philippians 3:8. Most translations tame it down to rubbish or trash, but that misses the point. A better translation would be crap or even shit. If that offends you that’s the point Paul is trying to make. It’s supposed to be offensive.
Isaiah 64:6 makes a similar point when it compares our good works to “filthy rags.” But again, that’s a bad translation that misses the offensiveness of the original word. It should read our good works are like “menstruation rags” compared to God’s righteousness.
I could go on, but I think we get the point. The Bible is not afraid to use harsh words, or sexual descriptions, and has lots of violence.
What we’ve seen so far is that the Bible doesn’t shy away from harsh language. But it doesn’t really give us an answer to, is swearing a sin? So let’s look a little closer at what the Bible says about cussing.
What Does The Bible Say About Cussing?
We are going to look at some of the most common verses used to answer this question. But there’s too many to look at all of them in a single blog post. If you want a complete list go here: What the Bible Says About Profanity
Ephesians 5:4, Colossians 3:8, James 3:6-10, and Proverbs 4:24 are the four passages I hear most commonly used in discussions about four-letter words. Most Christians use these passages as proof texts as to why we shouldn’t use foul language.
In essence, we’ve boiled down these verses to mean one thing. Don’t cuss. A good man will not curse and an evil man will use such words. But that interpretation sells short the depth of what the Bible is actually communicating.
Take the Apostle Paul for example. Several times in his letters he tells his readers to avoid filthy language, unwholesome talk, foolish talk, coarse joking, slander, and other things of the sort. He’s using broad categories but never prohibits using any specific curse word.
What the Bible makes clear is that it’s a sin to belittle, demean, pervert, use crude joking, attack someone, or use deceitful speech. Such things do not come from the goodness of God and do not represent the new life that Jesus came to give us.
The problem is you can do all of those things without ever using a swear word. And many Christians do and feel justified because they didn’t use any bad language.
We get so caught up in the specific words to avoid and miss the larger message.
The Bible never directly tells us to avoid this list of explicit words. Rather it tells us that words matter and that the lives of Christians should modeled in the likeness of God. Therefore we should pay attention to what are words are doing to those around us.
Here’s what I would argue. I don’t think God really cares about the specific words we use. Rather, he cares about the manner in which we use them.
Words are powerful. And we ought to be careful to use them in a way that honors God and builds people up.
I know Christians who would never use a cuss word, but they regularly use their words in a manner that doesn’t align with God’s word. They’ve missed the point. The power of the tongue can be deadly poison. And even if you never say a cuss word you can produce vulgar language.
If we aren’t careful those questions can keep us away from the truth that God is trying to communicate to us through Scripture.
Many think just because they don’t say any “bad words” they are avoiding sin. But God cares more about the way we use our words than the specific words we use. We should look at our whole body, our whole vocabulary, and ask ourselves if we are building others up or tearing them down.
So, Is Swearing A Sin?
At this point we’ve kind of danced around the question. So, let’s attack it end on. Is cursing a sin? In and of itself using a curse word is not a sin.
There’s nothing special about that word that makes it a sin. What matters is the way that you use that word. If you use it in a way that attacks, demeans, or perverts then that is a sin.
Words are not the issue. They are simply that, words. Each word has a proper place and a time that they can be used. Any word that is used to tear someone down is wrong. But just because we’ve placed certain words on the “do not say list” doesn’t make them a sin. It’s how, when, and where we use them that dictates whether they are good or bad.
I know that we want the black and white answer. Most Christians want to know exactly where the line is so that they can go right up to it but not cross it. But the Bible rarely gives us that.
Instead, it calls us to evaluate our lives and see if we are living in a manner worthy of the calling God has placed on us. It calls us to examine our heart because out of the overflow of his heart a man speaks (Luke 6:45). You can say some pretty evil things that are not in God’s likeness without ever saying a curse word.
That’s a higher calling. It’s not just about the avoidance of a few bad words. Instead it’s about looking at the larger picture of what we say and how we say it.
Using Our Words Wisely
I want to end with a challenge to use our words wisely.
We should use our words in a way that shows our love for God and honors those we are speaking about.
Some of the worst things I’ve heard have come from Christians who intentionally don’t swear but still, use their words to tear others apart. The point the Bible makes is that the words you use aren’t the problem. Words are neutral. The way you use words dictates if they become good or bad.
Should Christians cuss? Well that depends. What is right and wrong isn’t always the same as what is wise and unwise. Or at least effective and ineffective. While it might be okay to do something, or say something, it might not always be wise.
Instead of asking is cursing a sin? Ask this instead: Would using {Fill in the Blank Word} help or distract?
What is the wisest thing for you to do? What’s the most loving way you can communicate what you need to say?
Life is not all black and white. The Bible doesn’t portray it that way either; there’s a whole lot of gray. This question will help us sort out what the wisest thing for us to do is.
Closing Thoughts On Is Cursing A Sin?
Some people will decide cussing will hinder their relationship with God. That’s great. They should avoid it, and we should watch our language in front of them.
Other’s aren’t bothered by a few four-letter words. There’s no need to judge them. When the Bible is grey, choose grace.
Instead let’s hold each other accountable for using our words wisely. For building people up instead of tearing down.
Maybe you are wondering about taking God’s name in vain. I intentionally didn’t address the name of God in this blog post. But I have written about it here: What It Really Means to Take the Lord’s Name in Vain
My biggest struggles are the GD and saying Jesus Christ as a response to something outrageous or absurd. I’m working on it, with time I will win the battle.
It’s not what words you use. It’s how you use your words.
Is using too many words a sin? Does rebuke demean someone?
I don’t think Jesus had spoken similar language.
Sometimes when I get hurt my reaction is to swear, it’s a really bad habit, but reading some of these comments will probably make me change my ways, will make me change my ways. What I think about swearing is that it is not ok to direct the swear at someone ,but if you are just saying it as a reaction to get hurt it might be ok, well I’m no expert but I think swearing is sometimes wrong and ok.
What a fantastic article, thank you and God bless!!!
I always thought of it like: hell is not a curse. Telling someone to go there IS. Cursing is wishing evil on somebody. Profane speech is defiling something holy. I agree with you. I don’t think words are the issue. As with many spiritual things, it’s more of a heart issue.
Love the post and reply’s , I’d line to add my 2 cents of discernment, when we use or hear a word of “slang” and get offended? It reminded me of how, when Peter would not eat certain meats? And Paul called him out? Even Peter, almost fell into the trap of Religion, old Religion? Instead of like ya’ll are saying, as scripture says” all things are lawful, but? Are all things leading to making disciples?
Yes! Words are words, intent is everything. You can used the nicest of words and still be a jerk aka d*ck. Different word, same meaning (in this context).
It’s all about intention. People, as with (just pick a subject) have misused the definition of cursing by making certain words scapegoats. Thus, as you pointed out, justifying their saying things in a ‘clean’ way, but yet still managing a back-handed curse. Again, don’t be fooled, don’t be a hypocrite. Cuss words are not curse words, until you’ve made them so by using them with certain intention and attaching meaning to them. Just like ANYTHING, it’s innocent until you’ve made it not…..more or less.
Thank you for making this article. I usually say bad words from anger like from video games or physical pain. I don’t use bad words to hurt people. I recently starting getting worried that I might go to hell for saying bad words.
Thanks for making this. I feel so much better now.
I just read your articles on tattoos & swearing. Good on ya! They were Bible oriented & love oriented. One thing I would add: when we use “damn” or “hell” as cuss words, it makes them ordinary…it takes away the true horror of the Biblical meaning of these words. The concept of hell should not be taken lightly.
Wow….what an extremely mild approach to something that in our society is a huge problem. Words and the tongue have power.
You think that “potty mouth” is a “huge problem” in our society? Which planet do you live on? For starters, the whole point of this article (which is correct, by the way), is that it’s not specific words that matter, its how you use the words that matter. Having a specific list of “swear words” is legalism, which is one of the things that Jesus came to free us from. And our Catholic-inspired legalistic society still censors these words anyway. The actual huge problem is our society is sexual sin, like adultery, sex outside of marriage, and homosexuality, which we have become in general de-sensitized to and sometimes even celebrate it (“gay pride”). Most people today are going to end up in hell, but its not because they were “swearing”, its because they are sexually immoral and violent.
May God bless you
OMG!! you guys changing what ever you want in the Christianity XD
Proper Biblical exegesis is not changing the Bible. It’s reading it as it was intended to be read.
I think that just using swears isn’t a sin on it’s own but offending someone using swears or not is a sin
How we use our words is certainly more important that the specific words that we use.
What do you think of when an actor is a Christian and the script they are given has cursing and so on? One can say, “It’s just words. You say the words. Doesn’t mean you MEAN the words, although the character might.” The other side is, “Yeah, but you, the actor, said them…”
Thoughts? Okay to say the words on the page? Not so much? Just follow your peace?
I think each actor will have to ask themself: What’s the most loving thing for me to do? Both in how we show love to God and how we show love to the people around us.
I don’t think there’s a cut and dry answer. I would just echo this post and say I think God is more concerned with how we use or words and not as much about the words we say.
The Holy Spirit is given to us, to convict us of sin, not to judge us. No matter how we want to justify it theological ways. Lets be honest, swearing words is always accompanied with a temper. Everytime when I used a strong or swear word I felt guilty. That’s the function of the Holy Spirit to convict us and bring correction to our lives.
I disagree with your statement that swearing words are always accompanied by a temper. I frequently use them without any temper whatsoever and I know many other people who do the same. I think if that’s true for you specifically then yes, you probably shouldn’t swear. Again, if it causes you to stumble then don’t do it. But we can’t keep trying to stuff everyone into the same box. What works for one person doesn’t necessarily work for another. I know a lot of non-Christians who have been totally turned off to Christianity because so many Christians seem so inauthentic. I’ve actually been thanked many times by non-Christians for being real and approachable and not making them feel like I think I’m better than them.
I also think that feeling guilty is not a function of the Holy Spirit so much as it is an ingrained/conditioned response that is usually determined by how we were made to feel about certain behaviors when we were young. Guilt does not come from God. He’s not one to twist the knife. He’s the one who redeemed us so we could be free from guilt and shame. Those are human conditions.
That is some pretty fucked up shit!
In a recent message on the topic of the commandment not to use the Lord’s name in vain, our pastor talked about what you said here, but in addition he pointed out that as Christians, we are “called by his name”. If we claim to be a Christian but aren’t actually following Christ and living for him, we are using his name in vain-I would even say actually using his name blasphemously. This, to me, is the worst thing we can do in regard to the commandment. The word Christian has become so overused and incorrectly used that its meaning is distorted and often brings shame and dishonor to the name of Christ and to those who truly know and follow Christ.
We can’t stop the media, or unbelievers, or those who simply don’t know the difference from using it incorrectly, but we can be sure to discern who is and is not using it as God intended…watching for “false prophets,” and live our lives as honorable to God as humanly possible with his grace and mercy.
We need more harsh words so we can realise how bad our SIN really is
Imo cursing and cussing are two different forms entirely
This all makes sense to a believer. But a non believer who overheard me using the F word might question it. I could also cause a brother to stumble. For that reason, I do abstain from swearing I try to think “what will hurt my testimony?” and yes, that includes using words with an unkind intent or that are demeaning. That’s not okay either.
But I think it’s important to remember that we can do anything we want, but not all things are good for us and we mustn’t become a slave to it. It has taken many years of training for those kinds of words not to be the first to pop up in my head when I’m angry, stub my toe etc….
If I’m using that kind of language then am I bearing the fruits of the spirit? If you saw someone stringing out a bunch of cuss words would you say “Wow, that guy is really exhibiting self control and patience right now”? Are swear words considered unwholesome talk? (Eph 4:29) Am I building others up according to their needs? Am I benefiting those who listen? I personally think, not. Do what you want, but at least consider how it might affect your testimony if you sound like a sailor in your daily conversations.
Also, would you be comfortable using that language at church? Cause if not, then you’re putting up a front on Sunday and doing something different all week – it’s hypocritical.
Christy, Oh how much I appreciate your response to this article. It was insightful and showed such wisdom and expressed what I could not put into words. Blessings to you and yours.
How would using the “F” word cause a brother to stumble exactly? As the article points out, there is no “list of cuss words” in the Bible, that’s a man made thing. And Jesus tells us not to take as Commandments the doctrines of men (Matthew 15:9). And the word “curse” in the Bible is referring to swearing an oath of harm against someone or something, not using a specific word. There are plenty of examples of cursing in the Bible, and not one of them are referring to “potty mouth”. You talk about using “that kind of language”, which means you have already pre-determined that there is a “list of swear words”. And speaking differently in church does NOT make anyone a hypocrite, and it is NOT a “front”, it’s only natural to speak in a way that is respectful and appropriate to the people you are around (“mixed company”). If you’re at church, its very likely there will be self-righteous, judgmental, and uptight people like yourself who will find “swear words” offensive, because they don’t understand the Bible. If you’re hanging out at the bar with your friends, you are already aware of what language is acceptable to them, which may well be different. And this whole article was aimed directly at people like you.
i see and agree with both perspectives from Christy and you Michael. I don’t know if your a follower of Christ or not ( I never assume someone is now days ) I would ask what your intent was in the words you used responding to what I thought was a nice non condemning response from Christy . It appears when you say
(“If you’re at church, its very likely there will be self-righteous, judgmental, and uptight people like yourself “ ) like your being self righteous and judgmental when you direct it at her specifically. Just an observation
Micheal , I’m sorry, but what you said to her was judgemental. Not a good presentation.
Fantastic
Hell yes!
A solid, sensible approach, Jeffery! I shared some similar thoughts on the subject myself at one point: https://mitchteemley.com/2017/03/03/profanity-101/
Thanks for stopping by! I checked out your article and you had some good stuff! Especially the difference between course language and cursing.
So good! Thank you for writing this!
I love this. People seem to have forgotten it is the intent of the word that matters, not the words themselves. People can see how things have gotten “disneyfied” just by looking at KJV. It allows some words to slip by, like “dung.” More “modern” translation use the proverbial garbage.
I am so glad you wrote this. Some times sh*t needs to be called out because that is what it is. By couching words we often gloss over the evil, and the good. Awesome post.
Thanks for reading! I love the word you used, “disneyfied”. We often “disneyfy” our words so they look better, but don’t bother to look at the message we are actually sending.