Cursing: Does Jesus Care if We Cuss?
- Casual profanity can trivialize words such as "hell," "God,"
and "Jesus Christ" concepts and diminish the wholesomeness with which Scripture calls us to
approach communication with other people.
- The Bible has something to say about profanity when it
emphasizes the sanctity of oral communication
- Using foul language contradicts the elements of Scripture,
Reason, Tradition, and Experience in the Wesleyan quadrilateral.
- Several Bible passages highlight the power of language and
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 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 there was something not quite right about his
use of foul language. He knew it apparently 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 an acknowledgment of the
power of language.
Does Jesus care if we cuss, swear, or use profanity? People who say He doesn't care
display woeful ignorance of Scripture, 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 question of swearing and cursing. There are
other scripture passages with divine 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 the use of 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 the impact of their language and
vocabulary on others? 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? What significance might there be for us today that believers throughout history and
in various cultural contexts have adjusted their language after converting to
Christianity?
Afterword
Christians often consider the use of profanity or vulgar language to be incompatible with
their beliefs for several reasons:
- Respect for Others: Christians believe in treating
others with love, dignity, and respect. Using vulgar language can be offensive or hurtful to
others, contradicting the principle of loving one's neighbor.
- Reflecting Christ: Christians strive to emulate the
teachings and example of Jesus Christ, who emphasized purity of
heart and speech. Using profanity can tarnish one's witness and fail to reflect the character of
Christ.
- Reflecting Christian values: Using profanity or
cussing may be seen as incongruent with the values of love, kindness, and compassion that are
central to the Christian faith.
- Guarding Speech: The Bible teaches the importance
of guarding one's speech and using words to build up rather than tear down (Ephesians 4:29).
Cursing or using vulgar language can undermine this principle.
- Setting an Example: Christians often seek to set a
positive example for others, including children and non-believers. Avoiding profanity can
demonstrate self-control and a commitment to moral values.
- Honoring God: Many Christians believe that
language is a gift from God and should be used in ways that honor Him. Using profanity may be
seen as disrespectful or dishonoring to God.
- Cultural Influence: Refraining from using profanity
can distinguish Christians from the surrounding culture and demonstrate a commitment to higher
standards.
- Personal conviction: For many Christians, refraining
from cussing or using profanity is a matter of personal conviction and spiritual growth. 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 in the world while not being of it (John 17:14-16).
Breaking the Habit
Breaking a habit like cussing can be challenging but it is doable with some strategies and
perseverance. Ask the Lord to help you. Ask him to fill your mind with good words.
In addition, here are some techniques you might find helpful:
- Awareness: Start by becoming aware of when and
why you cuss. Notice the situations, emotions, or triggers that lead you to use foul language.
- Replacement: Replace the 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,
take a moment to pause and take a deep breath. This can help you regain control and choose a
different response.
- Positive reinforcement: Reward yourself for not
cussing, whether it's with a treat, a small indulgence, or simply acknowledging your progress.
Positive reinforcement can help reinforce the desired behavior.
- Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques, such
as meditation or deep breathing exercises, can help increase self-awareness and self-control,
making it easier to break the habit of cussing.
- Surround yourself with support: Let friends, family,
or coworkers know that you're trying to break the habit of cussing, and ask for their support.
Having people who encourage and remind you can make the process easier.
- Set specific goals: Set achievable goals for yourself,
such as reducing the number of times you cuss each day or going a certain period of time without
cussing. Having clear goals can help keep you motivated and focused.
- Stay patient and persistent: Breaking a habit often
takes time and effort, so be patient with yourself and don't get discouraged if you slip up
occasionally. Keep reminding yourself of your reasons for wanting to change and stay committed
to your goal.
- Seek professional help: If cussing is significantly
impacting your life or relationships, consider seeking help from a pastor or mental health
counselor who can provide support and guidance tailored to your specific situation.
Remember, breaking a habit like cussing doesn't always happen overnight, but with
determination, consistent effort and dependence on the Lord, you can be set free from it.
From a Practical Point of View
The use of profanity or cus words can have several negative implications, including:
- Perceived Unprofessionalism: Using profanity in professional or formal settings can
be seen as unprofessional and may affect how others perceive your competence and
maturity.
- Offensiveness: Profanity can offend others, especially in diverse groups where
cultural and personal sensitivities vary. This can strain relationships and create uncomfortable or
hostile environments.
- Loss of Credibility: Frequent use of cuss words can undermine your credibility and
the seriousness with which your message is received. It may lead others to question your
communication skills and emotional control.
- Negative Influence on Children: For parents, educators, or anyone in a role model
position, using profanity can set a poor example for children and younger individuals who may
imitate the behavior.
- Legal and Social Consequences: In some situations, profanity can lead to legal
issues, such as in cases of verbal harassment or public disturbances. Socially, it can lead to
ostracism or damaged reputations.
- Escalation of Conflict: Profanity can escalate conflicts or arguments, making it
harder to resolve disputes amicably. It can provoke stronger emotional reactions and reduce 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: What might be considered mild or
acceptable in one culture or context can be deeply offensive in another. Lack of awareness about
these differences can lead to misunderstandings and offenses.
While some argue that profanity can be a way to express strong emotions or solidarity within
certain groups, it's important to be mindful of the context and potential negative
consequences.
Related articles
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. It is through words that we can give pain or pleasure to each other. And because of this
and every historian worth his salt ought to know this -- the choice of the word is not only a
matterof 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 ranged far and wide 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 ]
Other articles written for the SNU student newspaper while I was on the faculty
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