Cursing: Does Jesus Care if We Cuss?

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 emphasizes the sanctity of oral communication, it is speaking to the use of profanity.
Using foul language goes cross-grain to the elements of Scripture, Reason, Tradition, and Experience in the Wesleyan quadrilateral.
Several Bible passages highlighting language's power call us to speak with dignity and respect.

Is it okay for Christians to use profanity?

"What goes into your mouth does not defile you, but what comes out of your mouth, that is what defiles you. . . . But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these defile you." -- Matthew 15:11, 18

In a recent issue of The Echo, SNU's student newspaper, a student wrote that Jesus doesn't care if we cuss or swear. The implication was that the casual use of foul language is OK for Christians.

It's not. Here's why in terms of the four elements of the Wesleyan quadrilateral.

Scripture

God knows something about the powerful communication tool we call language. That's 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 being¹. The final words of Revelation are a warning about 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, 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 . . 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 "improper 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 the "yellow people" phrase said about people of Asian descent.

Reason

That the movie industry warns audiences about language it considers inappropriate for children and young people to hear speaks volumes about a need for discernment in vocabulary use.

There is great power in words. The casual use of "damn" trivializes the awfulness of divine judgment. Using "hell" as a cuss 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 of every culture clean up their language when they come to faith in Jesus. That's been true down through history. It's 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 prompting from a preacher. Through the ages, the new tongue 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 titillating experience of using "forbidden" words. He needed to listen to his conscience as it tried to confirm the words. Jesus says in Luke's gospel: "Out of the overflow of a man's heart his mouth speaks" (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 doesn't care are displaying woeful ignorance of Scripture as well as a callous disregard for what believers through the centuries have experienced and an insensitivity to the voice of a sanctified conscience.

-- Howard Culbertson,

This article originally appeared in an issue of The Echo, Southern Nazarene University's student newspaper

¹"God said" -- Genesis 1:3, 6 9, 14, 20, 24; "Then God said" -- Genesis 1:11, 26
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 4:6, The Message
"For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. . . On the Judgment Day you will have to give account of every useless word you have ever spoken. Your words will be used to judge you." -- Matthew 12:34, 36bh-37a, Good News Translation
" 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
"Let there be no more foul language, but good words instead" -- Ephesians 4:29, J.B. Phillips
"Nor is it fitting for you to use language which is obscene, profane, or vulgar. Rather you should give thanks to God." -- Ephesians 5:4, Good News Translation
"Now is the time to cast off and throw away all these rotten garments of anger, hatred, cursing, and dirty language." -- Colossians 3:8, The Living Bible
"From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so." -- James 3:10, English Standard Version
"Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear -- not by heaven or by earth or by anything else." -- James 5:10

Questions for reflection

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

Christians often consider the use of profanity or vulgar language to be incompatible with their beliefs and values. Their reasons include:

Respect for Others: 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.
Reflecting Christ: Christians seek to emulate the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. Didn't He emphasize purity of heart? Might using profanity fall short of reflecting Him?
Reflecting Christian values: Using profanity or cussing may be seen as incongruent with the kindness and compassion that are central to the Christian faith.
Guarding Speech: 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?
Setting an Example: Christians are to be a positive example for others, including especially children and non-believers. Avoiding profanity can demonstrate self-control and a commitment to moral values.
Honoring God: Language is often considered a gift from God. Shouldn't it, therefore, be used in ways that honor Him?
Cultural Influence: Refraining from using profanity can set Christians apart from the surrounding culture and demonstrate their commitment to high values. /li>
Personal conviction: For many Christians, refraining from cussing or using profanity is a matter of personal conviction and spiritual maturation. They may feel convicted by the Holy Spirit to guard their speech and use words that honor God and reflect their commitment to following Christ while being in the world even though they are not part of it (John 17:14-16).

Breaking the Habit

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 some other things you can use:

Awareness: Be aware of when and why you cuss. Notice the situations and emotions that trigger foul language coming out of your mouth.
Replacement: Replace curse words with alternative expressions or words that are more neutral or positive. For example, instead of saying a cuss word when frustrated, say things like, "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!"
Pause and breathe: When you feel the urge to cuss, pause and take a deep breath. As you regain control, choose a different response.
Positive reinforcement: Reward yourself for not cussing. Use a treat, a small indulgence, or simply acknowledge your progress. Positive reinforcement will call forth further desired behavior.
Practice mindfulness: 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.
Surround yourself with support: Let friends, family, or coworkers know that you're trying to break the cussing habit. Ask for their support. Having people who encourage and remind you can make the process easier.
Set specific goals: 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.
Be patient and persistent: 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.
Seek professional help: If cussing significantly 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 cus words can have several negative outcomes. These include:

Perceived Unprofessionalism: Using profanity in professional or formal settings can make you look unprofessional. It may affect how others perceive your competence and maturity.
Offensiveness: 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.
Loss of Credibility: 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.
Negative Influence on Children: Parents, educators, or others in role model positions who use profanity set poor examples for children. Younger people may be tempted to imitate your boorish behavior.
Legal and Social Consequences: In some situations, profanity can lead to legal issues, including charges of verbal harassment or public disturbance. Socially, it can damage reputations and even lead to ostracism.
Escalation of Conflict: 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.
Hindrance to Effective Communication: Excessive cussing can clutter communication, making it less clear and impactful. It may distract from the main message and reduce the overall effectiveness of your communication.
Cultural and Contextual Inappropriateness: Profane expressions that might be considered mild or even acceptable in one culture or context can be deeply offensive in another. Ignoring these differences can cause misunderstandings and even offenses.

Some argue that profanity is a way to express strong emotions and foster solidarity within certain groups. Is it worth the risk of all the negative consequences?

How powerful is language?

Several years ago, InterVarsity Fellowship Regional Director Gene Thomas was looking to buy a retreat center. He heard about a dude ranch for sale in the mountains southwest of Colorado Springs. When he visited Bear Trap Ranch, Gene could hardly contain his excitement. That property was exactly what he was looking for.

He went back to Colorado Springs to see George Krause, the gruff president of the company that owned the mountain ranch in addition to the historic Antlers Hotel in Colorado Springs.

When Gene said he was interested in buying Bear Trap Ranch, Krause shot back, "What in the hell do you want it for?"

"Well, actually," Gene replied, "hell has quite a bit to do with it. We want to tell college students about Jesus, and Jesus has this thing about hell. He wants to keep people out of it.."

Disarmed by Gene Thomas' response, Krause offered to let InterVarsity have Bear Trap Ranch for $50,000. That was an incredibly low price given that Krause's Antlers Hotel had just invested $75,000 in new plumbing and furnishings at the ranch.

The InterVarsity board agreed to the purchase on the condition that Gene Thomas would raise the money himself. Gene agreed. Then, when Gene returned to Krause to confirm that InterVarsity would purchase the ranch, Krause told him that someone else had just offered $150,000 cash for it.

Gene's heart sank. Then, Krause continued, "However, I told him ´no´, and that I was going to sell it to people who were keeping college students out of hell."

— Adapted from For Christ and the University by Keith and Gladys Hunt, IVP, 1991

A few years ago, historian John Lukacs spoke on the campus of Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy, Massachusetts. While there, Lukacs was interviewed by ENC professors Donald Yerxa and Karl Giberson. That full interview was featured in an issue of Books & Culture. Here's the section of the interview in which Lukacs talked about language:

Language is a very mysterious gift from God. In the beginning was the Word. Not the Fact. Not the Picture. Not the Number. Not the Image. It is through words that we relate to each other. Through words, we can give each other pain or pleasure. And because of this and every historian worth his salt ought to know this -- the choice of the word is not only a matter of accuracy, not only an aesthetic choice, it is a moral choice.

Perhaps best known for his book Historical Consciousness: Or, the Remembered Past, John Lukacs has spanned a wide range of fields as a historian. His books include A Thread of Years, a series of imaginative vignettes of everyday life in the twentieth century, and Five Days in London, May 1940, which focused on Churchill and his cabinet.

Verbal and non-verbal communication

Though language may not always seem the most prominent characteristic of a person, it is certainly one of the most revealing. . . .[ more ]