Swearing, also known as cursing, using foul language, or cussing, is a sensitive topic addressed in the Bible. God’s Word provides insight into how followers of Christ should view swearing and use their words.
The Bible contains verses that directly prohibit certain types of swearing and offer principles for God-honoring speech. Other passages record curses spoken by biblical figures in moments of anger or distress. Studying these verses in context is helpful for understanding God’s heart on this matter.
Verses against swearing and foul language
Several verses instruct believers to avoid swearing, filthy language, and unwholesome talk.
“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.” (Ephesians 4:29)
This verse teaches that our words should aim to build others up, not tear them down through vulgarity or negativity. We are to speak in a way that gives grace to listeners.
“Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.” (Ephesians 5:4)
Here, God calls His people to abstain from obscene language, silly talk, and coarse jokes. Our speech should instead be marked by thankfulness.
“But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.” (Colossians 3:8)
Along with avoiding anger and malice, Christians are to turn away from obscene speech. The Greek word translated “obscene talk” refers to shameful or offensive language.
“Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge.” (James 4:11)
Here, God prohibits speaking evil against others, which would include abusive speech like swearing. We are called to build others up in love, not tear them down with our words.
“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.” (Ephesians 4:29)
This verse instructs believers to avoid corrupt or vulgar language. Instead, we should speak in a way that builds up others and imparts grace.
These passages reveal God’s standard for pure, uplifting speech that avoids vulgarity and obscenity. While swearing may be culturally acceptable, it often fails to meet the biblical principles for wholesome conversation that honors God.
Principles for God-honoring speech
In addition to prohibiting certain types of speech, the Bible provides positive principles for how followers of Christ should speak:
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (Colossians 4:6)
Our words should be gracious, thoughtful, and discerning, not reactionary or laced with expletives.
“Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!” (Psalm 141:3)
This verse is a prayer asking God to help us control our tongues and intentionally filter our speech.
“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.” (Ephesians 4:29)
Again, this passage emphasizes edifying speech that builds up others and imparts grace. Foul language often has the opposite effect.
“But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment.” (Matthew 12:36)
Jesus warns that we will give account for every careless word. This includes flippant profanity spoken without thought.
These principles instruct believers to be intentional about speaking with grace, discernment, and self-control, rather than reacting with expletives.
Examples of swearing in the Bible
Despite God’s standards for pure speech, the Bible contains multiple instances of people swearing or cursing in moments of anger, distress, or impatience:
“Then Mephibosheth said to the king, “Oh, let my lord the king take and offer up what seems good to him. Here are the donkeys for my lord the king to ride, whichever he wishes.” The king said to him, “Why do you speak this way? I hereby say you and Ziba shall divide the land.” Mephibosheth said to the king, “Oh, let him take it all, since my lord the king has come safely home.” (2 Samuel 19:29-30)
When David offered to divide land between Mephibosheth and Ziba, Mephibosheth responded somewhat impatiently, opening his statement with an expression that could indicate annoyance or frustration.
“Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.” (Job 1:20-22)
After losing his wealth, possessions, and children, Job mourned dramatically and made a statement acknowledging his nakedness and imminent death. However, he did not sin with his lips.
“And he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.” (Luke 16:15)
Jesus used strong language in rebuking the Pharisees, calling their outward righteousness an abomination to God who judges the heart.
While not endorsing swearing, these passages provide examples of people reacting in distress with strong or impatient language. However, when done in a spirit of worship and reverence for God, strong words are not always labeled as sinful.
Cursing in the imprecatory psalms
Several psalms contain imprecatory prayers, where the writer calls down curses, harm, or judgment upon enemies. These often shock modern readers:
“Break the teeth in their mouths, O God; tear out the fangs of those lions, O LORD!” (Psalm 58:6)
“O daughter of Babylon, doomed to be destroyed, blessed shall he be who repays you with what you have done to us! Blessed shall he be who takes your little ones and dashes them against the rock!” (Psalm 137:8-9)
“Let their own table before them become a snare; and when they are at peace, let it become a trap. Let their eyes be darkened, so that they cannot see, and make their loins tremble continually.” (Psalm 69:22-23)
These psalms were poetic prayers offered to God by believers under religious persecution. While shocking in tone, their purpose was to request God’s righteous judgment, not endorse sinful cursing.
Principles for understanding swearing in the Bible
When evaluating the Bible’s treatment of swearing, several principles are helpful:
- Prohibitive verses define God’s standards for pure, uplifting speech.
- Permissive verses demonstrate humanity’s struggle with sinful reactions.
- Imprecatory psalms show cries for divine justice.
- Words must be interpreted in their literary and historical context.
- Jesus emphasized heart motivations over outward actions.
- Scripture uses some terms differently than modern usage.
- God is more concerned with the heart than the actual words spoken.
With these principles in mind, we see God desires His people to speak with integrity, self-control, grace, and discernment for building others up. While the Bible realistically portrays the human struggle with speech, God’s people recognize swearing as unwise, seek to avoid it, and aim for conversation that honors the Lord.
Verses on taming the tongue and wise speech
Because swearing often represents a lack of self-control over one’s words, many verses address the importance of taming the tongue and speaking wisely:
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (Colossians 4:6)
Our conversation should be thoughtful, discerning, and gracious.
“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.” (Psalm 34:13)
This reminds us to avoid sinful speech including profanity and deception.
“Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.” (Proverbs 21:23)
Self-control over our words keeps us out of relational strife and other trouble.
“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.” (Ephesians 4:29)
Again, this verse prohibits destructive speech like swearing and commands edifying conversation that builds others up.
“But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment.” (Matthew 12:36)
We will give account even for careless words, including profanity spoken flippantly.
“Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!” (Psalm 141:3)
Recognizing our tendency toward sinful speech, we need God’s help to control our tongue.
These verses urge careful control over our speech, reminding us that our words carry weight and impact. Attempting to tame the tongue protects against impulsive swearing.
Verses on wholesome and uplifting speech
To contrast profane speech, the Bible encourages wholesome, uplifting conversation that ministers grace to others:
“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.” (Ephesians 4:29)
Our words should build up others and impart grace.
“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, NIV)
We should avoid unwholesome talk and instead speak words that benefit and build up others.
“Speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.” (Titus 3:2)
Followers of Christ are to avoid speaking evil of others, striving for gentleness and courtesy instead.
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (Colossians 4:6)
Our words should be gracious, thoughtful, and discerning as we seek to tailor our speech wisely.
These verses reveal how God desires our conversation to build up others, avoid evil, impart grace, and display His love. Wholesome language often accomplishes His purposes in ways that swearing cannot.
Examples of righteous biblical figures who avoided swearing
Although all fall short of God’s standards at times, several righteous people in the Bible modeled integrity through avoiding profanity and careless speech:
- Job – In his mourning, Job refused to “sin with his lips” in his speech to God. (Job 1:22)
- Jesus – No record exists of Jesus ever sinning with His words, though He spoke boldly against sin.
- Moses – Scripture never records Moses swearing despite his many burdens leading Israel.
- Paul – Paul often emphasized sound, uplifting speech over careless or crude talk. (Ephesians 4:29)
- Mary – In the gospels, Mary’s speech reflects a thoughtful, contemplative nature rather than impulsiveness.
- John the Baptist – John rebuked sin but point people toward repentance and the Lord.
These examples remind us to think carefully about our speech and avoid reacting with corrupting or impulsive words that dishonor God.
Conclusion
In reviewing biblical teaching about swearing, we find verses that clearly prohibit vulgar and foolish speech, as this fails to build others up or give grace. Passages also provide positive principles for utilizing our words wisely and speaking with integrity, grace, and self-control.
While the Bible contains some accounts of cursing and imprecatory prayers against enemies, these passages require careful interpretation. Ultimately, God cares more about the heart and motivations behind our words than the actual phrases used.
As Christians, we strive to tame our tongues and filter our speech so that it aligns with God’s Word. Wholesome, edifying language pleases the Lord and blesses others, providing a witness that honors Christ.