Is Swearing a Sin? Christian Perspective on Cussing and Profanity
TL;DR:
Christians should avoid profanity. The Bible emphasizes the power and sacredness of speech. It calls Christ-followers to use words that build up rather than tear down. Pastor Rick Harvey summarized Jesus' words in Matthew 15:18 and Luke 6:45 this way: "The mouth exposes what is in the heart." Traditionally, new believers in many cultures have felt convicted about swearing and have adjusted their language after coming to faith. There are ways to break the habit.
Casual profanity trivializes words such as "hell," "God," and "Jesus Christ." It also tends to diminish the wholesomeness with which Scripture calls us to communicate with other people.
When the Bible stresses the sanctity of oral communication, that's a strong statement against the use of profanity.
Using foul language runs counter to the four elements of the Wesleyan Quadrilateral: Scripture, reason, tradition, and experience.
Several Bible passages that speak of the power of language call us to speak with dignity and respect.
Is it okay for Christians to use profanity?
"What goes into someone's mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them. . . . But the things that come out of a person's mouth come from the heart, and these defile them." — Matthew 15:11, 18
"The mouth exposes what is in the heart" — Rick Harvey, pastor of Bethany (OK) First Church of the Nazarene
In an issue of The Echo, SNU's student newspaper, a student wrote that Jesus doesn't care if we cuss or swear. The writer suggested that the casual use of foul language is OK for Christians.
Is that true? No, it's not. Here is why, considered in light of the four elements of the Wesleyan Quadrilateral.
Scripture
God knows something about the powerful communication tool we call language. That is clear from the way John begins his gospel: "In the beginning was the Word" (John 1:1). In Genesis 1, God speaks the universe into being 1. The final words of Revelation warn against adding to or subtracting from the "words" of that prophetic book (Revelation 22:19) 2.
As to the specific issue of cussing, there are worse evils than using profanity. Still, two of the Ten Commandments (the third and the ninth) deal with the sanctity of oral communication. James scolds his readers for their foul language: "Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be" (James 3:10).
In his letter to the Philippians, Paul urges believers to focus their thoughts on "whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy" (Philippians 4:8). I do not think expletives related to human waste are what Paul had in mind as "pure and lovely." Paul also tells the Ephesians that obscenities and "coarse joking" are "out of place" for God's holy people (Ephesians 5:4).
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus admonished his listeners not to say "raca" to someone (Matthew 5:22). Scholars are divided as to whether "raca" was technically a curse word. However, it was a strong enough insult that, as Jesus noted, a person could be taken to court over using it. That might place "raca" in the same category as the N-word hurled at Black people today in the USA or a derogatory slur directed at people of Asian descent.
Reason
The fact that the movie industry warns audiences about language considered inappropriate for children and young people underscores the need for good judgment in choosing our words.
There is great power in words. The casual use of "damn" trivializes the awfulness of divine judgment. Using "hell" as a curse word diminishes the appalling thought of an eternity apart from God. Sprinkling conversations with expletives related to sexual intimacy demeans the sacredness of the divinely ordained union of a man and a woman within the bounds of marriage.
Tradition
Believers in many cultures clean up their language when they come to faith in Jesus. That has been true down through history. It is one of those "new things" Paul speaks about as he writes to the Corinthians. I personally observed the changing vocabulary of new believers in Italy and Haiti, all without any suggestions from a preacher. Through the ages, the transformed speech of believers has resounded with dignity and respect.
Experience
A young man recently told me that he only cussed among friends and in the presence of certain professors. It was clear that he understood something was not quite right about his use of foul language. He knew it wasn't okay to use in front of everyone, but he could not resist the thrill of using "forbidden" words. He needed to listen to his conscience as it tried to warn him about his words. Jesus says in Luke's gospel: "For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of" (Luke 6:45). [The power of Jesus' words]
To speak against swearing is neither excessive prudery nor a misguided attempt to squelch legitimate expression. Arguing against the use of foul language is actually an acknowledgment of the power of language.
Does Jesus care if we cuss, swear, or use profanity? People who say He does not care overlook the biblical teaching about speech, the experience of believers through the centuries, and the voice of a sanctified conscience.
2 "And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll." — Revelation 22:19
What does the Bible say about cussing?
The Bible verses below directly refer to the issue of swearing and cursing. There are other Scripture passages with principles that could also be applied to the issue.
"No using the name of God, your God, in curses or silly banter." — Exodus 20:7, The Message
"Do not let your mouth lead you into sin." -- Ecclesiastes 5:6
"Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips." -- Psalm 141:3
"All this cussing and lying and killing, theft and loose sex, sheer anarchy, one murder after another!" — Hosea 4:2, The Message
"For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. . . . But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." — Matthew 12:34, 36–37
"It's from the heart that we vomit up evil arguments, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, lies, and cussing. That's what pollutes." — Matthew 15:16–20, The Message
"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." — Ephesians 4:29
"Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving." — Ephesians 5:4
"But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips." — Colossians 3:8
"Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be." — James 3:10
"Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else." — James 5:12
Questions for Reflection on Profanity
What does the Bible say about using foul language and swearing? How might these biblical passages reflect the sanctity of oral communication and the power of language?
Why might it be important for Christians to consider how their language and vocabulary impact other people? In what ways could the casual use of profanity diminish the sacredness of certain topics or trivialize important concepts?
In what ways could swearing or using foul language contradict the values and traditions of Christianity? Is there any significance in the fact that believers throughout history and in various cultural contexts have "cleaned up" or adjusted their language after converting to Christianity?
Afterword: Is profanity compatible with Christian values?
Many Christians see the use of profanity or vulgar language as incompatible with their beliefs and values. Their reasons include:
Christ-followers are called to treat others with love, dignity, and respect. Using vulgar language can be offensive or hurtful to other people. That contradicts the command to love our neighbors.
Jesus emphasized purity of heart. Christians should therefore consider whether profanity accurately reflects His character.
Using profanity or cussing may be seen as incongruent with the kindness and compassion that are central to the Christian faith.
The Bible teaches the importance of guarding our speech. We are to use words to build up rather than tear down (Ephesians 4:29). Wouldn't cursing and vulgar language go against this principle?
Christians are to be a positive example for others, especially children and nonbelievers. Avoiding profanity can demonstrate self-control and a commitment to moral values.
Language is often considered a gift from God. Shouldn't it, therefore, be used in ways that honor Him?
Refraining from using profanity can set Christians apart from the surrounding culture and demonstrate their commitment to high values.
For many Christians, refraining from profanity is a matter of personal conviction and spiritual growth. They may feel prompted by the Holy Spirit to guard their speech, honor God with their words, and reflect their commitment to following Christ while living in the world without belonging to it (John 17:14–16).
Acrostic: Cussing -- The Negative Effects
C – Corrupts the tone of conversations U – Undermines respect and credibility S – Sows seeds of hostility and offense S – Stains the speaker's reputation I – Instills negativity in others N – Numbs sensitivity to kindness G – Gives voice to anger and bitterness
Breaking a habit like cussing can be challenging. However, having a plan and perseverance can bring success. Ask the Lord to help you. Ask Him to fill your mind with good words.
Here are nine more things you can do to break the habit:
Be aware of when and why you cuss. Notice the situations and emotions that trigger foul language coming out of your mouth.
Replace curse words with alternative expressions or words that are more neutral or positive. For example, instead of saying a cuss word when frustrated, try expressions such as "Oh, fiddlesticks!"; "Well, isn't that a bucket of bolts?"; "Oh, for heaven's sake!"; "Heavens to Betsy!"; "Goodness gracious!"; "Oh my goodness!"; or "Good grief!"
When you feel the urge to cuss, pause and take a deep breath. As you regain control, choose a different response.
Reward yourself for not cussing. Use a treat, a small indulgence, or simply acknowledge your progress. Positive reinforcement can help you continue making progress.
Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, can help increase self-awareness and self-control. That will make it easier to break the cussing habit.
Let friends, family, or coworkers know that you're trying to break the cussing habit. Ask for their support. Having people who encourage you and remind you of the progress you are making can make the process easier.
Goals can include reducing the number of times you cuss each day or going a certain period of time without cussing. Having clear goals that you can reach will keep you motivated.
Breaking a habit takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself. Don't get discouraged if you occasionally slip up. Remind yourself of why you want to change.
If cussing noticeably impacts your life or relationships, seek help from a pastor or mental health counselor.
Remind yourself that breaking a habit like cussing doesn't always happen overnight. However, with determination, consistent effort, and dependence on the Lord, you can be set free.
From a Practical Point of View
The use of profanity or cuss words can have several negative outcomes. Eight of these are:
Using profanity in professional or formal settings can
make you look unprofessional. It may affect how others perceive your competence and maturity.
Profanity can offend others, especially in diverse groups where cultural and personal sensitivities vary. Your use of profanity may create uncomfortable or hostile environments for people.
Frequent cussing can undermine the seriousness with which you want others to treat you and what you say. Your cursing may lead others to question your emotional control.
Parents, educators, and other role models who use profanity set a poor example for children. Younger people may be tempted to imitate their language.
In some circumstances, threatening, harassing, or disorderly speech that includes profanity can contribute to legal problems. Socially, it can damage reputations and even lead to ostracism.
Profanity tends to escalate arguments and conflicts, making it harder to resolve disputes amicably. When it provokes stronger emotional reactions, profanity reduces the likelihood of constructive dialogue.
Excessive cussing can clutter communication. That risks distracting from the main message and reducing the overall impact of your communication.
Profane expressions that might be considered mild or even acceptable in one culture or context can be very offensive in another. Ignoring these differences can cause misunderstandings and resentment.
Some argue that profanity is a way to express strong emotions and increase solidarity within certain groups. Is it worth the risk of all the negative consequences?
Eleven Ways to Say "Cussing"
Profanity
Obscenities
Expletives
Swearing
Cursing
Bad language
Salty language
Blue language
Foul language
Potty mouth
Vulgarity
Memorable Quotes Against the Use of Profanity
"The foolish and wicked practice of profane cursing and swearing...is a vice so mean and low, without any temptation, that every man of sense and character detests and despises it." -- George Washington (American president), General Orders dated August 3, 1776
“'Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth'. . . . Beware of every word that is not strictly true, and of every word that is not strictly kind.” -- John Wesley, The Works of John Wesley, Volume 7: A Collection of Hymns for the Use of the People Called Methodists (Bicentennial Edition)
“To swear is neither brave, polite, nor wise.” -- Alexander Pope, quoted in various collections of Pope's writings
"I have three rules for my players. 1. Be on time. 2. Never criticize a teammate. 3. Never use profanity." -- John Wooden (UCLA basketball coach), BrainyQuote.com
What do you think? Can a Christian ever justify cussing? Share your thoughts with me:
Though language may not always seem the most prominent characteristic of a person, it is certainly one of the most revealing. … [More]