Swearing

[Wug]

Okay, this might be a somewhat touchy subject, but due to modern culture, I think it's relevant. Is "swearing" a sin? The Bible says not to blaspheme, and not to curse. But if the "swear" is neither, how is it a sin? For instance, I hear many Christians say "darn it". In this case, the word darn is used in the exact same context in which the alternative would be used. Darn has now become a curse. How then is darn any better than the alternative, other than that it's socially acceptable? Same with heck, or crap. There are many words that aren't curse words, or blasphemy, yet they're still considered "bad words". It's socially acceptable among Christians to say, "kick butt", but it's not socially acceptable to say the alternative, even though it means the exact same thing, just with different terminology. Or referring to a load of garbage as a load of "crap" is just fine, but refering to it as the alternative isn't. Even though, once again, it's not actually cursing anyone or anything, and it's not blaspheming. I understand that many "bad words" have crass meanings, and it would be inapropriate to use any synonyms to these words given the context in which they're typically used. But I don't see how using a word, that isn't used to curse, or blaspheme, could be sinful.

Now, seeing as most of the world, not just Christians, see these words as "bad words", it's wise for us not to use them, so as not to A. cause a brother to stumble, or B. look like a hypocrite to nonbelievers. But wouldn't it prove equally foolish to use the "safe words", like crap, heck, or frickin'. And wouldn't it be wise not to say any word out of anger? Or better yet, don't get angry, since one of the properties of love is that it is not easily angered, and we are to love the world?

I'd like to hear your input on this...

 

[Chick4Jesus]

The Bible says to "let no foul thing come from your mouth." I don't remember the exact verse. Hmmm

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."

You decide.

 

[socperkins]

I imagine that swearing is like cursing. You're not saying "I curse thee!", but you're still verbally expressing anger over something. For instance...

F* you! - cursing somebody
D* it! - cursing something
S*t! - cursing the situation

Sure swearing has been around for thousands of years and now it's just vocabulary to most people, but I think it's origins are for cursing. As for substitution words... They sound better, but it's still something that needs to be worked on. If you blurt out a word, whether it be a curse or a substitute, it's because you've lost control of your emotions. I'm not saying I don't do it, but that's my opinion

James 1:19 - Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.

 

[Walt]

To me it seems like cursing is one of the only sins that doesn't affect anyone but you self. For instance sexual immorality and gluttony affect you body (christ temple). When you lie, steal, cheat, etc. you are affecting other people.
When I try to analyze it myself I dont see anything wrong with it. However, the spirit within me still leads me to believe that its a sin.

 

[dothackzero]

I'm honestly starting to think that calling someone stupid is more a swear word than like the s word, or the d it word. Except for the f word, I just can't stand that one for some reason, so I’m trying to get out of my vocabulary.

 

[wwjd_kilden]

Matt 5:
21"You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder,[a] and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' 22But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother[b]will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,[c]' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.

 

[forgivenandloved]

I've always wondered what defines a curse word in God's eyes. Whats the difference between the f bomb and calling someone a moron.

 

[wwjd_kilden]

I don't think the bible mentions "swearing" at all

but it tells us not to blaspheme, not to take part in, speak or think evil and so on...

so saying He.... obviously is speaking about evil... some would even consider it as "summoning" even if it is not meant as that

 

[Belgian_Pilot]

Even if it isn't clear wether swearing is a sin or not, there is no harm in avoiding it.

There are many versesin the Bible asking us to be love each other, to be different in the world, to be show respect, etc. I don't see how swearing fits in a lifestyle according to the Bible. To me, it feels like a sin.

 

[bobie]

just remember what Jesus said! it is not what you eat that makes you unclean, it is the thing that comes out from your mouth.

 

[PRAIASEmyGOD]

Mathews 5:36 tells you straight up do not swear!

 

[songster]

The Bible says to "let no foul thing come from your mouth." I don't remember the exact verse. Hmmm

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."

You decide.

I agree. I believe this scripture applies to all corrupt communication.

 

[GurlieGurl16]

Great now I feel odd cuzz I swear sometimes

 

[sambar]

We, his children, shouldn't be conforming to this world in justifying swearing for it is written in God's Words, "That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man." (Mark 7:20) and also Lot was vexed with filthy conversation (2Peter 2:7). Bringing it back to the Old Testament also, look on, Lev 5:1, " And if a soul sin, and hear the voice of swearing, and is a witness, whether he hath seen or known of it; if he do not utter it, then he shall bear his iniquity."

are you a witness for Jesus?

 

[socperkins]

Great now I feel odd cuzz I swear sometimes

I think everybody swears sometimes. We just have to try not to.

 

[fromtheinside0ut]

I believe that some things aren't necessarily defined as ''sin'' but they are best to avoid anyway. We are to separate ourselves from the world and their ways. Even non-christians see certain words as wrong and vulgar. Think about the reasons why you would say any given swear word. More than likely it is out of anger or vulgarity. I feel as though swearing is something the devil can use to taint our testimony. While it might not be the sin the keeps us from Heaven, it is an unnecessary compromise that can easily be avoided. Not everything is a black or white sin, just make sure your relationship with God is close and you will know what is right. We are also not to offend our brothers... and quite frankly swearing is just offensive!

Would you include swear words in your conversation with Jesus?

 

[lil-rush]

Would you include swear words in your conversation with Jesus?

That is what I wonder. I know if I was in front of Jesus, if I was able to speak, cuss words would not be the language coming out of my mouth.

 

[dothackzero]

That is what I wonder. I know if I was in front of Jesus, if I was able to speak, cuss words would not be the language coming out of my mouth.

I've used words people call cuss words around God. Really, they are curse words because we make them curse.

 

[Dread_Zeppelin]

Call me crazy but I think there is a spirit associated with swear words. When i did swear, it made me more angry inside and I couldn't stop using them out of habit. I actually remember feeling physically ill after hanging out with a friend of mine, and every other word was the F word. I couldn't wait to get away from her.

 

[Cako53]

Call me crazy but I think there is a spirit associated with swear words. When i did swear, it made me more angry inside and I couldn't stop using them out of habit. I actually remember feeling physically ill after hanging out with a friend of mine, and every other word was the F word. I couldn't wait to get away from her.

I know exactly what you mean! I totally agree!