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I have been thinking about this topic for a while. Some believers I know think it is OK to say the “d”-word, the “s”-word. They claim that they are expressing their feelings and Jesus wouldn’t want it all bottled up. Others say, “Well, it’s really how I feel.” Then I have those who say, “What’s the difference between that and saying “heck no”, “shoot” or “oh man”? Then there are those who say, “Hell, fool and dam are in the Bible?

This is my take on all this. First, did the Bible ever record Jesus saying cuss words? Second, what does the Bible say about the words we speak? Last, does language have an impact on our perception of a follower of Christ?

Here are just a few scriptures on profanity/cussing/cursing:

Colossians 3:8 

But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.

Ephesians 4:29 

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.

Matthew 12:36-37 

I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

James 3:10 

From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.

Matthew 15:10-11 

And he called the people to him and said to them, “Hear and understand: it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.”

Ephesians 5:4 

Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.

James 1:26 

If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.

Proverbs 21:23 

Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.

2 Timothy 2:16 

But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness,

Psalm 19:14 

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Luke 6:45 

The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

Exodus 20:7 

“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.

That’s a lot of scriptures. There are more, but I’ll let you take some time and discover them. 

So to answer the question: Does Jesus care if we cuss, use profanity, curse words? YES!

Not only does Jesus Christ care, but He says that it is wrong. Read James 3:10 again. You will be accountable for every word you speak. Read Matthew 12:36-37 again. To highlight it all, words come from your heart. So, what this means is that cursing is in your heart. These types of feelings are in your heart? 

No one is condemning anyone for using profanity. It may be so engrained into your vocabulary until it comes out before you know it. The point is… it’s time to tame the tongue. 

Did you know that Control of the Tongue is a spiritual discipline? Yes, it is. It involves intentionally being aware of your words and tone of voice in all communication. 

Do you desire to turn this destructive way of using words to a more Christ-like speech of love, healing, and support? If so, here are a few ways to get started (pick one):

• Scripture tells us we will give an account for our words, all of them. Therefore, spend some time praying about how you use words. Repent for those you have already spoken and include Psalm 19:14 in your prayer.

• Try adding these words to your vocabulary, more: “Thank you,” “You are great at…,” “I’m Sorry,” “My Mistake,” and “You are welcome.” Refrain from using words like “You always,” “You never, and “Every time, you” because these are fighting words. An argument is about to erupt or, “you’re just trying to start something.”

• Choose a habit of speech you wish to break. Decide what new habit you want to replace it with. Then ask two friends to hold you accountable by praying for you and keeping you on point. Give yourself 30 days. Why? Check out the video on this clip, but scroll down pass the chocolate cake: Blackmores.

• Join me and others on a 30 Day Hanging Out With Jesus Podcast Challenge. This will help you begin to focus on your relationship with Christ as you allow the Holy Spirit to guide you in adjusting your speech. Click here to download your 30 Day Calendar. More is coming soon of weekly videos. So stay tune!

• When feelings of anger arise, either leave that environment, count to 10, or quote one scripture above, until you cool down or can speak without using profanity.

Now if you still feel using profanity, curse words or cussing is OK, then I’d like to share two more things:

• If you are using profanity as a form of agreement. It is still cursing. Saying, “Hell, yes,” is still inappropriate. Why? It diminishes the shocking thought of an eternity apart from God. Here’s another thought. Sprinkling conversations with obscenities related to sexual intimacy demeans and muddles the sacredness of marriage as described by God between a man and a woman.

• Your words are powerful. Jesus Christ, words are powerful… hence the Bible. Do you want to be known for cussing at someone or building people up? 

Using profanity, every so often, is the same as using profanity. You are accountable. James 3:10, read it again. Read all of them again. Real change is hard, but you, I, we as believers have the Holy Spirit. Change is what you release to God. Either all at once or slowly. The choice is yours.

I’d like to end with: you have the opportunity to change your life and others. Psalm 91 reminds us we are not to fear. God’s got us. We must dwell in Him, trust Him. In everything, we have a choice. What’s your choice… to cuss or not?

If you need some time to talk to God about changing your life, check out Hanging Out With Jesus Podcast. I design it to help you create space to commune with God.  

Shalom!