© 12 Colin Melbourne
Is Swearing and Cursing Always Sin?
Q: If you use explicit language, without harming someone, is it still a sin? In the Bible, it doesn’t say you can’t use explicit language, that I know of. I am not sure, but I would like to know. Logan
A: Thank you for asking this question, you raise an important, and often overlooked point, despite the ubiquitous use of profane language today.
The TV Idol
I renounced watching TV, and listening to the radio, a long time ago, because it was plain they are mere tools of the antiChrist spirit, conditioning people to accept foul language, sin, self-indulgence, lust, and godless attitudes. Most so-called “Christian” TV and radio is worthless ecumenical propaganda.
I recommend all Christians sanctify themselves, and throw out the TV and radio. You will discover a new dimension in your walk with the Lord, live cleaner, and have much better time with your family, and for godly exploits.
Explicit language means; clear, unambiguous, and precise. That’s a good habit.
However, by your question, it is obvious you do not mean that, do you Logan? You are using the expression “explicit language” as a euphemism for; bad language, swearing, cursing, profanity, foul-mouthed, and filthy talk.
All are forbidden under both of God’s Covenants. How could it be otherwise, surely nobody expects a holy and righteous God to overlook sin of any kind?
So, if you mean using crude, derogatory, or sexually explicit words: That is certainly sinful, and repeatedly condemned in God’s word the Holy Bible.
Using His Name in Vain
One of the commonest forms of bad language is profaning the Name of the Lord, using His Name in vain and disrespectfully. It matters not, why you utter profanity, or who is involved, the fact of doing it is repeatedly condemned by the LORD; here’s a few instances;
Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
Ex. 20:7 Deu. 5:11 KJV
And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD.
Lev. 19:12 KJV
Neither shall ye profane my holy name; but I will be hallowed among the children of Israel: I am the LORD which hallow you, That brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I am the LORD.
Lev. 22:32-33 KJV
Blasphemy Banned
Under the New Covenant all forms of bad language are forbidden to Christians;
But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
Col. 3:8 KJV
Would “filthy communication” cover what you have in mind Logan?
Here’s more Divine censure of blasphemy (swearing, profanity), incontinence (lacking self-restraint), and foolish talk;
But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
2 Tim. 2:16, 3:1-5 KJV
Every Idle Word
And so on. There are many more scriptures warning against evil talk. That is why the Holy Ghost, through James (chapter 3), reminds you to bridle your tongue, because Christ Himself warned that men will have to give account to God for every idle word they utter;
O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
Mtt. 12:34-37 KJV
How to Stop Using Bad Language
There’s only one cure for this sin.
You must be born again.
When you become a Christian, God’s Spirit comes to dwell in your heart, your spirit dies instantly, and is immediately raised to new life in Christ Jesus. This is the New Birth, the born again baptism into Christ. It is a supernatural miracle of God.
After you have this experience all desire to swear, curse, and use foul language will leave you.
You will be still capable of sin, but you simply cannot continue in sin, because you are a new creature. The old has gone and the new has come. 2 Co. 5:17 KJV;
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Have you been born again?
Perhaps you have simply joined a church, become satisfied with religious routines, and have never been born of God.
Or maybe you are in a cult, like the Roman Catholic false church, Mormons, SDA, ICC, Jehovah’s Witness etc?
Seek the LORD with all your heart and embrace Him: The Living God: The LORD Jesus Christ.
He will wash your scarlet sins as white as snow, and give you His peace and joy.
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
Is. 1:18 KJV
Here’s another interesting question from a Mother concerned about her daughter’s bad language.
The Power of Faith: Smith Wigglesworth was once asked by a sinner if he could still smoke and drink after he became a Christian. With Holy Ghost wisdom Smith replied:
When you are saved; smoke all you can, if you can, and drink all you can, if you can.
Because he knew, when anybody was really saved, they could not continue to sin. 1 Jn. 3:9. They would repent of their own volition.
© 12 Colin Melbourne