Is Foul Language (Cursing, Swearing, Cussing) a Sin?

Is foul language a sin (or just poor manners)? In this article, Erin Odom digs into whether or not cursing is a sin, whether or not Christians can cuss, what the Bible says about swear words, and more!

Have you ever heard the saying: “I don’t drink, smoke, cuss, or chew, and I don’t go out with boys who do?”

I grew up in a home where we did none of the above. This motto might as well have been plastered on the walls of my childhood family’s house to remind of the cardinal sins that must not be broken.

While I was born into a Christian family and was saved at age 9, I began to re-think much of what I had been taught in my adulthood.

After studying God’s Word for myself, I realized the Bible never prohibits drinking. While I still choose to abstain, I no longer believe that drinking in and of itself is a sin. (Getting drunk, however, is a different story. See Ephesians 5:18).

The Bible also doesn’t prohibit smoking or a plethora of other “sins” that many modern Christians judge as being wrong.

However, cussing is a gray area when it comes to whether or not it is sinful. Part of this stems from the fact that what we call curse words today did not exist in biblical times. (See more on this below.)

If you’re wondering, “Is foul language a sin?” or “Can Christians cuss?” you’re in the right place.

In this article, we’re diving deep into Scripture to answer the following questions:

Is Foul Language a Sin?

The Bible never forbids using swear words or cussing because words that are considered cuss words in American culture did not exist when the Bible was written. However, just because something isn’t explicitly forbidden doesn’t mean it’s okay.

There are many Scripture verses that warn Christians not to use unwholesome or foul language. For example:

Ephesians 4:29: “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.”
Luke 6:45: “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”
Matthew 15:18-19: “But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.”

Because of this, many Christians believe that whether or not using cuss words is sinful depends on the intention behind the person speaking them.

For example, someone may stub their toe and mutter a word under their breath in frustration. He or she may say a more benign word, like “rats!” Or, if he grew up in a home where using curse words was the norm, a stronger word may come to mind. This isn’t necessarily sinful.

However, in a different scenario, someone may use a similar cuss word and intend to hurl insults or “curses” onto someone as a way to harm them emotionally. In this situation, curse words align with the biblical definition of cursing (see below) and would be considered sinful to use.

Is Using Foul Language a Sin for Catholics?

Neither the Bible nor the Catholic Catechism state that using swear words or cussing is a sin, so swearing is a sin for Catholics the same way it is a sin for Protestants (i.e., it depends on the context).

According to Catholic.com:

The Catechism is clear that we are never to use God’s name in a foul way: “The second commandment forbids the abuse of God’s name, i.e., every improper use of the names of God, Jesus Christ, but also of the Virgin Mary and all the saints” (2146).

Other than the texts cited above from the Catechism, the Church doesn’t speak directly on the use of profanity.

As a child, I erroneously thought that using profanity was a sin for Baptists but that Catholics were freely able to cuss. I based this on the few Catholics I knew personally who cussed without any hint of guilt.

I now realize the small sampling of Catholics I knew as a child was not representative of the Church as a whole. (I apologize for misjudging you, Catholic friends!) Christians of all denominations disagree on whether cussing is a sin, and many Christians from both the Catholic Church and Protestant denominations cuss.

We cannot judge whether or not something is deemed sinful simply by watching the actions of Christians since the only sinless human being to ever walk the earth was Jesus Himself.

Should Christians Cuss?

While the Bible never says cussing is a sin, this does not mean that Christians should make a practice of cussing. Instead, Christians should make every effort to speak uplifting words that are encouraging and pure.

Ephesians 4:29-32 tells us,

“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. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

When someone chooses to cuss as a result of their bitterness, rage, anger, brawling, slander, and “every kind of malice,” as noted in the Scripture above, I personally believe it would fall into the classification of sin because it is tied to these other sins clearly outlined in the Bible as sins.

So, while cussing itself may not be a sin, it can be a sign or expression of sins the Bible clearly prohibits.

If Christians desire to honor God by not using foul language, it starts in our hearts. What we fill our hearts and minds with will eventually come out in our language.

Personally, I like to remember what Paul told the church in Corinth in I Corinthians 10:23:

“‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say—but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’—but not everything is constructive.”

Can Christians Swear?

The Bible says Christians should not swear in Matthew 5:36-37. However, this Scripture verse does not refer to using swear words (“cussing”) but to swearing oaths.

“And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” –Matthew 5:36-37

Christians sometimes take this Scripture out of context to point to cussing or swearing being a sin. However, this passage doesn’t refer to cussing at all.

Instead, Jesus’ admonishment was a warning to those who swore to do things but didn’t keep their word. Essentially, this Scriptures says to not be wishy-washy but to commit to keeping your promise.

This passage also doesn’t mean Christians should never swear oaths (including in a court of law), which we’ll examine next.

Is Swearing to God a Sin?

Americans swear on a Bible before testifying in a court of law. Thankfully, swearing to tell the truth before God is not a sin.

In fact, God instructs His people to swear oaths in His name in Deuteronomy 10:20, which says, “Fear the Lord your God and serve him. Hold fast to him and take your oaths in his name.”

Furthermore, the Bible tells us God Himself swore an oath to Abraham. Hebrews 6:13 tells us, “When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself.”

However, there is a difference between swearing an oath to God and simply throwing out God’s name without actually thinking of or referring to God.

“Oh my G-” has been an everyday expression ingrained in the English language for decades, but, as Christians, I believe it’s a phrase we should avoid. Since my children could talk, my husband and I have sought to teach them not to use this phrase.

While the phrase “swear to God” has become a common saying in American culture, it doesn’t make it right.

Flippantly saying the phrase “I swear to God…” is a sin because it breaks the third commandment, found in Exodus 20:7. “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.”

Is Cursing a Sin in the Bible?

Cursing is considered a sin in the Bible. However, like “swearing,” “cursing” in Scripture doesn’t refer to swear words or foul language either. When the Bible refers to “cursing,” it means using harmful language to speak a misfortunate upon someone.

We see this in James 3:9-10, which says, “With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.”

What Does the Bible Say About Curse Words?

The Bible does not explicitly mention curse words, but it does include many verses about cursing, swearing, and using foul language. None of these mention the curse words we hear, use in English today or forbid cussing expressly. Rather, the Bible focuses on the heart’s intention regarding whether specific types of language are a sin.

It’s essential for us Christians to examine our hearts and motives in light of what God’s Word has to say about any sin that may serve as a stumbling block for us or our families.

Cursing in the Bible: Old Testament Examples

Some Old Testament Bible verses that reference cursing, swearing, or using foul language include:

2 Samuel 16:10: “But the king said, ‘What does this have to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because the Lord said to him, “Curse David,” who can ask, ‘Why do you do this?'”
2 Samuel 16:13: “So David and his men continued along the road while Shimei was going along the hillside opposite him, cursing as he went and throwing stones at him and showering him with dirt.”
Psalm 109:18: “He wore cursing as his garment; it entered into his body like water, into his bones like oil.”
Psalm 114:3: “Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.”
Ecclesiastes 5:6a: “Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, ‘My vow was a mistake.'”
Ecclesiastes 7:21: “Do not pay attention to every word people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you—”
Hosea 4:2: “There is only cursing, lying and murder, stealing and adultery; they break all bounds, and bloodshed follows bloodshed.”

Cursing in the Bible: New Testament Examples

Some New Testament Bible verses that reference cursing, swearing, or using foul language include:

Matthew 12:34: “You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”
Matthew 15:11: “What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.”
Romans 3:14: “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”
Ephesians 5:4: “Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.”
Colossians 3:8: “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: “Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.”

Consequences of Cursing in the Bible

While the Bible is clear that there are consequences for sin, Scripture does not name specific consequences for cursing, cussing, or swearing. However, there are several verses that allude to the consequences we might expect when we engage in “godless chatter.”

2 Timothy 2:16: “Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.”
Galatians 6:7: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”
Proverbs 18:21: “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

I personally believe that a natural consequence of using foul language is altered relationships with other humans. If we are using language against someone and intending to hurt them, it may lead to fractured or even severed relationships.

On the other hand, some people grow up in homes where profanity is part of the family’s everyday vernacular and even used in a more jovial way, with no intention to harm another. There may be no consequences in these instances, as the intent and motive behind the words are not in line with sin as described in Scripture.

Once again, it is in these gray areas where it’s vital we examine our hearts. It is always wise for us Christians to ask the Lord what David did in Psalm 26:2: “Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind.”

My Personal Experience with Cussing

I would be a hypocrite if I claimed to have never cussed. There are instances when I believe I was sinning while cussing, and in other situations, I believe I was not.

On my sixth birthday, a family member teased me by taking away one of my presents. In frustration, I said: “D–, give me my present back!”

I suffered consequences from my parents for saying this word, but, looking back, I believe I should not have. I had heard the word on a popular television show, and I had no idea that I was cussing (or that cuss words even existed), and I did not intend to “curse” the person to whom I spoke the word.

My heart aches for the little girl in me who had part of her birthday celebration ruined by what I now see as an innocent mistake.

However, as I entered my teenage years, I became eager to lose my “goody-two-shoes” persona. In late middle school, there were a few times when I uttered curse words under my breath but loudly enough for those whom I desired to impress to hear.

“This isn’t you,” a friend told me one day. “I know you don’t want others to think of you as the ‘good’ girl, but don’t be ashamed. Don’t lower yourself to using those words.”

I’m glad she did because I was already saved at this point and was most definitely feeling the sting of conviction every time I cussed.

Fast forward many decades, and I’ve never made a practice of cussing. However, I would be lying if I were to say I’ve never used cuss words at all.

Scripture clearly states that we Christians should always be conscientious and intentional about how we speak. Matthew 12:36-27 says: “But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

It would be good to remember this Scripture as we seek to honor God in both word and deed every day.

Have you ever wondered, “Is Foul Language a Sin?” What were you taught on the matter?