Foul Language
The Bible encourages avoiding foul language, as seen in Ephesians 4:29 NIV, which states, “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”.
Colossians 3:8 NIV But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.
James 3:10 NIV Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. The Book of James warns about the destructive potential of the tongue and highlights the inconsistency of using it for both blessing and cursing.
Ephesians 5:4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.
Matthew 12:34-37 Therefore, unclean words are seen as coming from a defiled heart. Jesus teaches that the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.
The Apostle Paul instructs Christians to avoid “filthy language” and “obscene talk”. He advises against any “unwholesome talk,” encouraging speech that is helpful and builds others up. Paul specifically lists “obscene talk” alongside behaviors like anger and malice that should be put away. He also prohibits “filthiness, nor foolish talk, nor crude joking”.
Swearing oaths is discouraged, with the instruction to simply let your “Yes” be “Yes” and your “No” be “No,” reflecting integrity and trustworthiness.
Christians are called to use their words to edify and benefit others, not to tear them down or cause harm.
Foul language often involves curse words, expletives, or expressions that refer to taboo subjects like religion, bodily functions, or sex.
Cursing is a grave matter when it involves blasphemy.
- Mark 3:28-29: Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.”
Leviticus 24:16: whoever utters the name of the LORD in a curse shall be put to death. The whole community shall stone that person; alien and native-born alike must be put to death for uttering the LORD’s name in a curse.
In the Old Testament, the punishment for blasphemy was death by stoning.
Patrick Brown was born at Davis Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, AZ on February 25th, 1949. He became a Christian Believer when he stepped off the plane in Vietnam in 1971. Since that time, he has devoted his life to the Lord through ministering as a Sunday School teacher in various churches in Mississippi. He is a graduate of Exploding Evangelism (EE) and certified as a Gospel Evangelist Trainer. Patrick is a member on staff at Christian Grandfather Magazine in charge of Daily Devotionals. He and his wife, Sherrilyn, enjoy retirement in Ridgeland, MS. They have two Daughters, five Grandsons and two Great Grandsons.
Image by DEEPAI
Well stated, foul language is a product of an unspiritual mind and has no reality. “God’s blessing (and good) are the ONLY realities!. Spiritual progress means replacing negative language with thoughts of Truth and Love, as one’s words should reflect the spiritual likeness of God, which is inherently pure. Individuals can overcome the habit of profanity by filling their minds with “good thoughts,” which provides a shield against negative influences and allows one to express “the language of Spirit” not profanity.
Your Friend – His servant,
Isaac Otieno