What the bible says about cursing
The Bible does not specifically mention cursing, but it has a lot to say about our words and how we use them. In Matthew 12:36-37, Jesus 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.” And in Ephesians 4:29, we are instructed to “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.”
These verses make it clear that our words matter to God and that we will be held accountable for them. This includes the words we use to curse or swear. When we use offensive language, we are not only violating God’s standards for our speech, but we are also causing spiritual harm to those who hear us.
Cursing is a form of rebellion against God and His standards. It is an expression of our sinful nature and a sign that we are not submitted to His authority. When we curse, we are aligning ourselves with the darkness instead of the light.
If you struggle with cursing, know that there is hope! The power of Christ can break the bondage of any sin in our lives—no matter how deeply ingrained it may be. If you want to overcome your cursing habit, ask God to help you change your heart and your mouth. He will give you the strength you need to live according to His Word.
how to avoid cursing
While the Bible does not specifically address the issue of cursing, it does have a lot to say about our speech in general. In Ephesians 4:29, we are told to “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.” This verse is a clear instruction that our speech should be edifying and uplifting, rather than cursing or using profanity.
In addition, James 3:5-12 compares the power of the tongue to a bit in a horse’s mouth or a rudder on a ship, and how such a small thing can have such a great impact. Likewise, our words can have great power for good or for destruction. As Christians, we are called to use our words to build others up, rather than tearing them down with cursing or profanity.
the consequences of cursing
While there are no explicit verses that say “thou shalt not curse,” there are numerous implications throughout Scripture that suggest it’s not something believers should do. In fact, the Bible has a lot to say about the power of our words and how we use them.
Ephesians 4:29 says, “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.” Similarly, James 3:5-10 compares the tongue to a tiny bit in a horse’s mouth that can control the whole animal. And Proverbs 18:21 says, “The tongue has the power of life and death.”
Clearly, our words are not something to be taken lightly. Cursing—using profanity or obscene language—is a function of our speech that needs to be monitored and sanctified by Christ followers. Just because everyone else is doing it doesn’t mean we should too. We are called to rise above the world’s standards and set an example with our speech (1 Peter 2:12).