Perhaps you never have stopped to think about what the Bible says about the use of curse words (swearing, profane talk etc ...). Perhaps, many of the readers are new Christians and did not have the chance to hear a Biblical interpretation about this matter. Maybe some of you  are immersed in a "modern" church in which the use of cursing and dishonest language is permitted, with the so called purpose of make unbelievers feel more identified with us and bring them to the church.

 

However, what we must consider is how this topic is seen by God. Is it legitimate for a Christian to speak with a dishonest language? Do we need to refrain our old way of speaking? Shall we speak as nonbelievers so that we can create an approach to them?

 

We will, as always, address this issue with complete objectivity. Using the Bible as the basis and the model.

 

Language of the Bible

 

The first thing to look at is the language used in the Bible. Remember that the Bible has been written by a total of 40 authors inspired by the Holy Spirit, on three different continents and in a time-space of about 1600 years. With all this, including the cultural diversity and different periods, the language of the Bible is made up of a formal vocabulary. There are no dishonest, rude, obscene and curse words.

 

The carefully chosen language used by the 40 authors, show us the behavior that God desires for His servants. If the 40 authors of the Bible, all inspired by the Holy Spirit, do not use a dishonest language, then why shall we?

 

Therefore, the vocabulary with which the Bible has been written, provides us a clue to God’s position concerning the vocabulary that we shall use. In the following section we will see what the Bible says about it.

 

What does The Bible say?

 

Both, in the Old Testament and in the New Testament, the language of Christians is treated as a very important matter. A Christian should not speak impurities or practice the use of dishonest language. Let's name a few verses, among many others, that testify this:

 

Ephesians 5:4

4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.

 

Colossians 3:8

8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.

 

James 3:2

2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.

 

Ephesians 4:29

29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

 

Psalm 19:14

14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
    be acceptable in your sight,
    O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

 

Conclusion

 

We must therefore put aside our old way of speaking. We cannot give a good example to unbelievers if we use the same dishonest vocabulary that they use. Let’s pray and ask for help to the Holy Spirit so that He can eliminate this unpleasant and inappropriate language.

 

Note: This is a brief explanation of the topic in matter. If you need the explanation of a verse or have any other questions, please contact us and we will explain it gladly.