I know, such a strong topic, kinda kicks you in the pants:) I was asked this question by a dear friend of mine and as with anything else, if I can’t immediately come up with a STRONG, very biblical and convincing answer, then I go to research! So here is what I found:)
“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification that it may impart grace to the hearers” Ephesians 4:29
Now this scripture although convincing, may not really convince one who says they aren’t cussing in front of anyone, therefore who cares if it edifies anyone? Well, it would be good not to have corrupt words come out of our mouths for our own edification and not to grieve the Holy Spirit in our lives.
But what about Ephesians 4:31 “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice(evil speaking)”
Really cussing comes from anger or wrath, and cussing is definitely evil speaking(especially if the words you use in your cussing are evil-ish). The kicker with this scripture is if you go to the one before it v.30. “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” If you were graciously sealed for the day of redemption then why on earth would we want to do anything purposefully to grieve the Giver of Life?
“…neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor course jesting, which are not fitting but rather giving thanks.” Ephesians 5:4
Cussing really is foolish talking. I mean think about it, we are frustrated because we just knocked our pinky toe on the couch and it hurt like-alot! but it wasn’t the couches fault, and yet we curse the couch!
Two other great ones:
“Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man, but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.” Matthew 5:11
“But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.” Colossians 3:8
So, I love Colossians and to really get the full impact of the entire scripture above you need to go back to verse 5….basically it says you’ve put death whatever belongs to your earthly nature, because the wrath of God is coming. So stop walking in the old ways and then on to verse 10…you are being renewed in knowledge in the image of your Creator!!!
Now, a good friend who should have her own blog but doesn’t think so says this “Is there a time for a strong exclamation to vent frustration, surprise or injury? You bet! Does it have to be disrespectful with references to sex, or hell, or body secretions or a persons mental abilities? Absolutely not! I’ll receive a blessing over a curse any day. Blessings create a positive environment- now that could be a whole other post…”
And with that I leave you with focusing on changing the atmospheres of our environments in positive ways, cussing probably doesn’t do that!
Tracy – I love this one! I’ve learned a lot from failures in this area that “words are powerful”. I wonder if the category of “course communication” includes honking at people who cut you off? Yikes. Going to a big church in a small town has just about cured me of this one…I’d like not to honk at someone and then run into them in the lobby. Thanks for tackling an important subject.
I hear and believe everything that your saying. and to every scripture i say yes and Amen! BUT…. old habits die hard. and i think im still believing that theres just something about certain words that can capture the passion of my feelings better than others. And a lot of those happen to be “cuss words”. maybe what im believing is really decepion……? Hmm. Holy Spirit please convict my heart where necessary. what else can i say? i love you, my precious friend! you are one who i admire and look up to more than you know. your life story, good and bad, mistakes and failures create a beautiful portrait for me to study and learn from. thank you for allowing me the honor of doing so!
2 posts in 2 days! Tracy is back:) Yep, missed ya.
I’m considering my most common exclamation when disappointed- “Rats!” I think it’s ok. When hurt? “Ouch!” also ok. When angry? How about “Pig Slop!” Any thoughts out there? Must one’s language become muted and dull to utter propper Christian speak?
Ya Know, it is interesting how when you find the truth you begin to see the icky deception all around you. I’ve heard more cuss words in our world today then I can remember in the pass:) Not from my mouth, mind you, just from passerbyers;) Thanks for checking in and for your affirmations! Love you!
Thank you, Tracy. I believe you hit the nail on the head! Our language is important. It imparts grace to the hearer. It seasons the atmosphere with grace. It brings the light of the presence of God into our midst, if we speak knowing He is in us and communicating through us. All a part of being made in His image.
I love how He expresses through you. You are truly gifted.