The SIN of Using Profanity, i.e. Cussing or Cursing

Is it wrong to cuss? That's an interesting question, especially when so many who claim to be Christians today do so time and again, oftentimes using profanity, words of anger, put downs, slanderous accusations, and hateful rhetoric.

What does the Bible say about such methods of speaking to, or maybe I should say speaking down, to others.

Well, the Bible has much to say on the subject, as a matter of fact. And it instructs us to abstain from such malicious practices. In other words, it is SIN to use profanity.

Let's look at some verses on this.

In 2 Timothy chapter two, we read:

14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.

15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

Notice what this says. It tells to avoid "PROFANE babblings." What are profane babblings? Profanity!

We further read that we should not "strive" to use these profane words, as they are unprofitable. And we are told that if a person uses profanity he "will increase unto more ungodliness." In other words, the more you CUSS, the more CARNAL you will become!

As we continue reading the context of 2 Timothy chapter two, we come to verse 19, which states:

Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

This means that it is "INQUITY" or "SIN" to use profanity!

In Ephesians chapter four and verse 29 we read the following command to Christians:

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

What are "corrupt communications?" Why they are profane things which come out of your mouth that are not used to edify, rather to destroy.

In the context of this verse, we read the following verses:

Ephesians 4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

Ephesians 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Ephesians 4:25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

Ephesians 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

Ephesians 4:27 Neither give place to the devil.

Notice that there is a contrast between "righteousness" and "wrath." And we are commanded not to lie, rather to speak the truth. We are further commanded not "SIN" while we are "angry." Why is this? Becuase those who use profanity usually do so out of ANGER, and being full of WRATH, they take out their rage on others. This too is SIN! And it's giving place to the Devil.

This is why we are commanded in Ephesians 4:31 to:

Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

Notice it's called "evil speaking." Why? Because cussing, or using profanity is EVIL! It is evil words coming out of an evil man's heart! And it's usually in bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, or malice. But it not just the attitude that is evil, but the actual words as well.

In Colossians 3:8 we are further commanded:

But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.

Notice God is against "filthy communication." This is the use of "dirty words." God does not like this, nor does he like people telling dirty jokes.

So how should a Christian speak? That's easy. The following verses tell us plainly:

1 Corinthians 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

Matthew 5:37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

Colossians 4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Ephesians 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

God wants us to speak with GRACE, not with ANGER. He wants us to speak in LOVE, not in HATE or WRATH. We are supposed to speak with scripture, not with harsh and painful words designed only to wound and damage.

Thus, allow me to reiterate. To use profanity is a SIN! It's wrong to cuss, whether it be in everyday speak or as a put down towards others. It's wrong to curse whether it be an object or a person. IT IS SIN!

The question then must be asked. Are you guilty of the sin of using profanity?