Is It Okay For Christians To Swear?

Is It Okay For Christians To Swear?

As a young teen, our pastor preached a sermon telling us that cussing or profanity was a sign of a limited vocabulary. If we had to resort to swear words, we weren’t educated enough to express ourselves or our thoughts and feelings fully; we were considered immature.

Is it okay for Christians to swear? Should we be concerned about the use of crude or offensive language? Does it matter if we use such language? Let’s explore some observations and thoughts on the subject.

The use of profanity has become widespread. What was once considered shocking is now more socially acceptable than in the past. As more people use such coarse language, it loses its shock value. Listen in on any conversation today, and you can almost tell which generation they came from without looking at the group of people by whether or not they incorporate coarse language into the conversation.

According to Merriam-Webster, the use of profane or obscene language is swearing. The acceptability of swearing or using profanity varies among Christians and depends on their interpretation of biblical teachings and personal convictions. Many Christians feel that swearing is a huge no-no. They believe it goes against the Ten Commandments and choose to avoid using coarse language.

These same people view swearing as disrespectful and inappropriate behavior for those who are following Christ. Meanwhile, others argue that if you swear on a rare occasion, it’s not sinful, especially if more focus is put on the heartfelt message behind the words than the words themselves.

Yet others would raise the point that the meaning of such verbiage has changed over time, and thus, it’s no longer sinful to use certain words or phrases. As an additional argument, sometimes a situation may warrant righteous anger or frustration of injustice.

Is It Up To Interpretation?

Clearly, as a Christian, swearing is up to personal understanding and interpretation of the action. The scriptures are clear on obedience to God. Thus, it’s essential to consider how one’s actions align with one’s belief system.

It’s essential as a Christian to seek kindness, integrity, and respect when dealing with others, regardless of the verbiage we choose. According to Matthew 5:34, Jesus tells those listening not to swear oaths but to swear by the Lord.

In Matthew 5:37, Jesus tells his followers to let their yes and no be yes. The third commandment in the Ten Commandments is “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord, thy God, in vain.”

It’s important to understand that this passage isn’t about swearing or cursing at someone. In Ephesians 4:29, Paul tells Christians to speak in ways that build others up and don’t tear them down. No foul language should come from your mouth; only that which is good and builds someone up should come forth from your mouth.

Many believe that vulgar expressions are evidence of a person’s ignorance, inadequacy, or immaturity. In James 3, the Bible states that the tongue is a restless evil full of deadly poison. Words can cut like a knife.

In Colossians 3:8, The apostle Paul writes to the Christians in Colosse. “But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.”

The apostle Paul also took it a step further and instructed the church in Rome, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” Romans 12:14.

How To Stop Swearing

If you’re feeling convicted of swearing and wish to stop swearing, take this moment to bow your head and ask God to forgive you for your swearing. Ask Him to put His hand over your mouth and give you the right words to use.

Pause before you speak and ask yourself, “Do my words align with my beliefs? Are my words uplifting to those around me?” It’s better to say nothing than to rip someone apart with your words and foul language.

Find an accountability partner and report back daily. Make it a habit to share about your battle with swearing.

It’s going to be a daily struggle in the beginning. Don’t be hard on yourself for your shortcomings; start again each time you mess up. Remember, we’re human; it takes due diligence and practice to succeed.

Be The Salt Of The Earth

Christians are encouraged to let our speech be seasoned with grace. Colossi and 4: 6. We’re to be sober-minded and have nothing to say that is evil. Titus 2: 6-8.

Psalm 10: 14 “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. “

King Solomon was considered very wise. He sums it up by saying, “The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut out. The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked what is perverse.” Proverbs 10 31-32

What are your thoughts on the subject? Is it okay for Christians to swear? What is the definition of swearing? Can you still enter the kingdom of heaven if you swear? If you ask for forgiveness but continue to swear, are you truly repentant?