Should Christians, can Christians, are Christians allowed to, do Christians have to? Questions like this seem to plage the Christian faith. People always want to know what the boundaries are. Trying to figure out what they can do before getting in trouble. One of these question we hear a lot is can Christians cuss?
Almost everyone you ask answers this question in a
The Bible’s Stance
So to open this article we are going to ask the Bible can Christians cuss? The Bible is not a history book or a collection of inspiring stories. It is the instruction book for how we need to live
Colossians 3:8
8 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language.
Ephesians 4:29
29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and
helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.James 3:10
10 And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!
Matthew 15:11
11 It’s not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth.”
Ephesians 5:4
4 Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God.
Breaking It Down
As you surely noticed these verse mainly deal with harsh language. They do not mention specific words you should not say. Which I can’t say I know any curse words that would have been used in ancient Israel. So it would not have made much of a difference either way.
What you need to realize is that Christians are meant to be different than people in the world. We are not supposed to talk like they talk or act as they act. Instead, we are expected to live to a higher standard. Speaking in kind, loving ways. Attempting to show grace and mercy to others. Just as Jesus showed us.
So if you could ask the Bible can Christians cuss? The answer would lean towards no they shouldn’t. That being said those verse to do not condemn those who cuss as sinners. They are just stating how Christians should act. Remember what 1 Corinthians 6:12 says though.
You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything.
Representative of God
So the Bible answers the question of “Can Christians cuss?” by saying they shouldn’t. But is that all the Bible has to say about the subject? Directly yes but if you look at other scripture you can see a strong correlation to the subject at hand. For instance take Colossians 3:17.
17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
This verse is telling us that we need to always remember we are a representative of Jesus Christ. Meaning when people look at you and your actions they are not just forming an opinion about you. They are also forming an opinion about God.
So Christian should no longer speak as the representatives of the world do. Instead, speak in a way that is representative of your new role. You are no longer a lost sinner, but a raised up child of God! All you do including the way you speak should prove this.
Held Accountable For All
Hopefully, we now see that the Bible says that Christians shouldn’t cuss. That we represent God and that should have an impact on our actions. But one very important aspect left to look at. On the day of judgment, everything will be brought to light.
Matthew 12:36
36 And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak.
Yes, you read that correctly even the idle words you speak. Ever had someone apologized for the langue they used in front of you? They most likely said they were not thinking about what they said. In the eyes of God that excuss is not valid. We should strive to be
How To Stop
We all have different convictions, I personally convicted that Christians should not cuss. That being said it is possible that you do not share this belief. However, I imagine someone reading this wants to stop cussing. I have good news and bad news. The bad is breaking a habit like cussing won’t be easy. Good news God is willing to help those who ask him.
1 John 5:14
14 And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him.
If you truly want to stop cussing pray Psalm 141:3 over yourself. Ask God to bring these words to life in your life. God always hears your prayers. He is willing to help you with whatever you may need.
Psalm 141:3
3 Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips.
What questions about Christian living do you have? Please let us know in the comment section or fill out our contact page. We may pick your question for our next Can Christians article!
This was very good. I’ve heard many Christians try to justify their using cuss words because “it’s not specifically mentioned as a sin in the Bible”. But if that’s the type of mentality these folks have then they might as well be legalistic like the Pharisees. And if God is all knowledgeable, and He is, then He absolutely knows what kind of language people would be using thousands of years later. The same applies with homosexuality. Just because the word itself didn’t exist back then doesn’t mean that the concept wasn’t being practiced. God destroyed entire cities because of their sexual immorality. The Bible is not bound to the time of Jesus or the OT only, it’s an instruction manual for how Christians should live.
I used to cuss up a storm and use God’s name in vain daily but once I got saved, the Holy Spirit put an end to that real quick. What comes out of our mouth absolutely matters. Just read the Book of Job. They thought they knew it all, but God humbled Job and his “friends” real quick. If we rely on the Holy Spirit to lead us each day, we will not be led astray. Shalom!