Blessings and curses: Why should Christians stop the habit of swearing

Have you ever, at some point in your life, uttered a swear word?

Whether it was during your innocent childhood, your rebellious teenage years, or even now, in the hustle and bustle of adulthood, the chances are that you’ve encountered profanity in one form or another.

In today’s society, swearing seems to have lost much of its shock value.

For some, it is a casual means of expression. For others, it has become an unremarkable filler in everyday conversation, gradually normalizing its presence and minimizing its impact.

As a Christian, have you ever wondered whether swearing aligns with the teachings of your faith? Is it an acceptable practice for those who follow the teachings of Christ?

In this article, we will explore these questions by delving into what the Bible has to say about swearing and its place in the lives of Christians.

A wall art that has a swear word. (Photo by Etienne Girardet from Unsplash)

Bible translations

The Bible, as you might already know, wasn’t originally written in English. Its origins trace back to Hebrew.

However, the scripture you read today isn’t a direct translation of the original text. It is filtered through the lens of what some might call “political correctness.”

Throughout history, religious individuals have taken it upon themselves to “clean up” the Bible.

Jewish scribes during the Middle Ages, who meticulously copied the Hebrew Old Testament, played a significant role in this process.

They recognized certain vulgarities in the text and decided to replace them with more polite expressions.

For instance, when God conveyed through Zechariah that women in Israel would suffer at the hands of wicked invaders, the original word used was “shagel.”

According to Hebrew linguists, “shagel” is a rather obscene term that describes a specific sexual act.

However, the Masorites, in their wisdom, chose to replace it with the gentler term “shakev,” which means “to lie with.”

Even the apostle Paul, in his passionate contemplation of God’s scandalous grace, ventured close to using strong language.

In Philippians 3:8, he declared,

“I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as ‘skubala,’ so that I may gain Christ.”

The Greek word “skubala” is more potent than “rubbish.” But it is not quite as harsh as a certain four-letter word.

Nevertheless, most translations opt for milder terms like “rubbish,” which implies trash but not excrement, or “dung,” a more accurate representation but less offensive to modern sensibilities.

It is worth noting that all our “literal” English translations follow this modification.

A person flipping through the pages of the Bible. (Photo by Rod Long from Unsplash)

Does this justify swearing

Indeed, the original text of the Bible sometimes contained language that would be considered far more offensive by today’s standards. Even the Apostles did not always shy away from strong language.

However, the goal of these biblical messages was never edginess or some vague notion of Christian “freedom.”

Instead, the use of provocative language served a specific purpose. This is to shock a complacent religious audience into awakening to God’s truths.

In moments when the goodness of God seemed lost amid religious routine and empty rhetoric, employing strong language was a way to grab attention and provoke contemplation.

With this being said, if you hurl derogatory terms or expletives in moments of frustration or pain, you’re not reflecting biblical wisdom. Rather, you are demonstrating a lack of discipline and maturity.

The question then arises: how do we reconcile a “filthy tongue” with Ephesians 4:29, which instructs,

“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”?

Does this verse outright condemn all forms of vulgarity? Not exactly.

The emphasis here is not on specific words labeled as “cuss words” by culture, but on any speech that fails to “build up.” This encompasses slander, gossip, or any communication that tears someone down.

A man preaching. (Photo by Memento Media from Unsplash)

Why Christians should avoid swearing

Building upon the previous discussion, as a Christian, you should avoid swearing because it contradicts the teachings of your faith.

Here are ways how it can impact you specifically.

Swearing hurts others

Swearing amounts to verbal abuse. With that said, as followers of Christ, we should strive to speak positively and offer words of encouragement.

Apostle Paul reminds us in Colossians 4:6 (NIV) to let our speech always be gracious and seasoned with salt, guiding us in how to respond to others.

It ruins your testimony

The use of profanity can tarnish your testimony.

James 3:10 tells us that having the same mouth to both bless and curse is dishonorable to the Lord.

As Christians, we represent the Lord not only in our actions but also in our words, thoughts, and feelings.

When we praise God one moment but use foul language the next, it weakens our testimony and reveals inconsistency in our alignment with God’s values.

Swearing is shameful

Even when someone uses profanity for humor or commentary, it’s often regarded as suitable only in specific contexts.

People may whisper such language in certain settings or avoid using it around particular individuals or places, like at church or in the presence of children.

Openly using such language in these scenarios can be perceived as uncouth and inappropriate, as it typically doesn’t inspire positivity.

Leads you to excuse other ‘minor’ offenses

The habit of swearing can lead to excusing other “minor” offenses.

While it may seem harmless, in God’s eyes, justifying your choice of language could pave the way for excusing more serious transgressions.

Cursing can create a mindset where lying, gossiping, or passing judgment on others becomes acceptable.

It does not benefit anyone or yourself

Swearing benefits neither yourself nor anyone else.

Instead, it sets a poor example for younger and more innocent individuals who look up to you.

A man yelling through a phone. (Photo by Icons8 Team from Unsplash)

How to stop swearing

So, how can you, as a Christian, put an end to swearing in your life?

Here are some ways you can try.

Have someone hold you accountable

Enlist a trusted family member or friend to hold you accountable every time you slip and utter a swear word. Their gentle reminders will help keep you on track and aware of your language choices.

Spend more time with those who are a positive influence

Surround yourself with people who radiate positivity and serve as good influences.

Spending more time with such individuals can gradually reshape your language habits, making swearing less likely.

Use replacements words

Opt for replacement words when you feel the urge to swear. Instead of profanity, try using a harmless alternative that conveys your emotions without offense.

Release your emotions in a journal

Channel your emotions by releasing them into a journal. Writing down your feelings can provide a healthy outlet, reducing the temptation to express them through swearing.

Know that God is always listening

Remember that God is always listening, even in your most private moments.

Keeping this awareness in mind can serve as a powerful motivator to choose words that honor your faith and reflect a higher standard of communication.

A woman writing on her notebook. (Photo by Ashlyn Ciara from Unsplash)

Only speaking love and grace

As a Christian, it is important for you to steer clear of swearing and to encourage others around you to do the same.

Your words hold the power to either build up or tear down. In your interactions, you should strive to embody love and grace.

Just as the Apostles did, there might be moments when strong words are necessary to redirect focus toward God’s truth.

However, your choice of language should always stem from a genuine motivation to uplift and guide. This is instead of a place of immaturity or impulsive emotion.

Remember, your words reflect your spiritual journey. Let them be a testament to your growth and commitment to living out the principles of your faith.