• Starting today August 7th, 2024, in order to post in the Married Couples, Courting Couples, or Singles forums, you will not be allowed to post if you have your Marital status designated as private. Announcements will be made in the respective forums as well but please note that if yours is currently listed as Private, you will need to submit a ticket in the Support Area to have yours changed.

Is It A Sin To Curse?

Macca

Veteran
Feb 25, 2004
1,550
68
79
Frankston North
✟24,640.00
Faith
Pentecostal
Marital Status
Married
Politics
AU-Liberals
forgivenmuch said:
:holy: i have heard people say a few bad words that i have trusted to be in God.. they say they are not wrong.. it dont mean nothing... the bad words they say..are not the GD word..but alot of the other ones.. leave post please:clap::liturgy:
The Bible tells us in several places that no corrupt communication should come from our mouths, (and similar).
People can justify 'little White lies" and say they are not bad.
If you consider the Bible the instruction manual for life, and don't follow it; are you being a disciple of Jesus? I'll leave it there.
Macca. :holy: :preach:
 
Upvote 0

livin4thebigman

Active Member
Aug 2, 2004
81
3
42
exton, pa
✟227.00
Faith
Christian
I know that most people will disagree with me but thats ok, this is what I believe with all my heart and have come to after talking to several people and with prayer.

Cursing is in no way sinful. The words are simply a more extreme use of language. Just like doo-doo is to poop, so is **** to s***. If I am having a really bad day, and I say my day is poopy, that does not communicate the idea that I want to communicate. The word poopy does not hold the weight that I am looking for.

A reason that there is no "laundry list" in the Bible of words that one should not say is because language evolves. For instance if you look up 1 Cor 13 in the KJV, it will say "charity" not "love". In that time period, "charity" was used to mean "love"

As Macca said we to not let any corrupt communication come from our mouths, you are presupposing that swear words are "corrupt." Now you may point out that, the media censors some words and that is a basis for what is corrupt. However, it is not that they are corrupt. It is the fact that people have deemed that some words are too harsh for the general public, which is why some are censored. Think of it this way. Picture the typical older, conservative grandmother. Would you say "suck" in front of her? No because it is offensive to her. Yet in other circles you may "suck" because it doesn't offend.

My stance on cursing is that it is ok and not sinful in any way. However as Paul talks about refraining from some acitivities for the sake of your brother's or sister's weaker conscience (Rom 14) we are to hold to that when it comes to swearing. If it bothers someone, then don't do it! However, if people around you don't mind, then it is ok. This is not teaching double standards or two faced christianity, for if you call it that, then you are calling Paul a two-faced liar. This is simply excericising your freedom as a Christian and refraining (at times) the use of your freedom for the sake of your brethren.

Ok, now bring on the judgement....
 
Upvote 0

forgivenmuch

christ is the answer
Aug 21, 2004
1,028
37
55
✟23,874.00
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Republican
thats interesting in what you wrote...to look at it that way... but should we not keep ourselfs holy? i mean if we seen our pastor doing it..what would one think.. maybe people are unlearned... and in religion? i know we are not perfect. but its hard for me to beleive that cursing is not a sin... but i could be wrong..im willling to learn here..
 
Upvote 0

selune

Well-Known Member
Feb 3, 2004
2,386
72
51
✟25,396.00
Faith
Protestant
livin4thebigman said:
If I am having a really bad day, and I say my day is poopy, that does not communicate the idea that I want to communicate. The word poopy does not hold the weight that I am looking for.

Although it may go a long way in making you laugh and forget how miserable your day was. ;) I, too, feel much as you about use of language. Don't cause someone else to stumble and be courteous. And to add, I had someone once tell me that replacing an offensive word with a nonoffensive word was just as bad because the "thought was still there". Oh my. This type of thinking essentially castrates emotions. One is no longer allowed to express intense bad feelings because the words (either used or replaced) are "bad". Ding dang doodle what a world.
 
Upvote 0

christiangal522

Active Member
Aug 21, 2004
254
21
47
Minnesota
✟22,983.00
Faith
Protestant
Marital Status
Single
I think cursing is rarely okay. I occasionally slip here and there and you should see the responses from people that I am surrounded with....their jaws nearly fall off! I was doing something the other day and I messed up pretty bad and the "S" word slipped out and I happened to have one of my youth sitting by me and I must have turned beet red after I realized what i said. Cursing, plain and simple, can make you sound unintelligent, foolish, and down right unrespectable. And that's the response you are going to get from people!!! As Christians we want people to think we are mature, respectable people...if we're cursing up a storm like the rest of the unbelieving world, what makes us any unique and different? What makes Christianity any more appealing? I know it is a small thing but small things add up quick in the eyes of nonbelievers!!
 
Upvote 0

newlite

Watermelon and Sunsets. Proof GOD loves us!
Aug 16, 2004
2,235
81
Canada
✟25,321.00
Faith
Baptist
Marital Status
Single
cursing is wrong. ovcoruse i never say hell like you can go to heaven or um... down there...and every time i say limestone generating dam i get all nervese...(a power plant...)

i wanna know what about other words. i dont really swear. i use other words like shoot and **** (ive never gotton why c-r-a-p is **** out. please explain) are they bad? what about saying something is holy? (like holy cow). my mom always gets on my case from these
 
Upvote 0

christiangal522

Active Member
Aug 21, 2004
254
21
47
Minnesota
✟22,983.00
Faith
Protestant
Marital Status
Single
newlite-
There are a lot of words that I never thought were bad that my kids have caught me on because other people have told them they were bad. Like ****, damn, retarded, gay, etc. I don't really think anything about those words but I get jumped on because my coworker has told them they are inappropriate. LOL I dont know what I think about that...I suppose if I were calling another person one of those words it'd be wrong but just saying it? I dunno.
 
Upvote 0

livin4thebigman

Active Member
Aug 2, 2004
81
3
42
exton, pa
✟227.00
Faith
Christian
forgivenmuch - Yes we are to strive to be holy (1 Peter 1:16 "You shall be Holy for I am holy".) Now my question is, why is cursing an unholy act?

In regards to your pastor cursing, that is what I am talking about when I say we need to be careful of who we are around. For example, I like beer, so I'll have a few now and then, however if my friend is a recovering alcoholic, I'll refrain from drinking in front of him, because he does or has struggled with it. In a pastorate position, one needs to be careful of what they are doing and how it is being perceived. In so doing, the pastor must refrain from some activities (at times) for the sake of the church.

I love your attitude "but i could be wrong..im willling to learn here.." That is how we all must be, open to the idea that what we've learned so far could be wrong. This view that cursing is sinful ties hand in hand with conservative (and even contemporary) Christianity. I would encourage you to pray about it more and seek truth. Ask more quesitons if you want...I'd love to help! The only thing I would encourage you to not do is curse if you still have a guilty conscience about it....that is sin.

Christiangal - when you said " Cursing, plain and simple, can make you sound unintelligent, foolish, and down right unrespectable. " that all depends on who you are around. I'm not attempting to judge you but I am curious, did you grow up in a somewhat conservative Christian home? Majority of my friends (and wife) that I curse around don't care at all and it is not viewed as "unintelligent, foolish, and down right unrespectable."

"As Christians we want people to think we are mature, respectable people" When does cursing make a person immature or not respectable? The fact that I curse does not therefore make me equal to the world. Also you cannot use that argument because, what if i drive a mercedes? Or I have nice clothes, or I drink alcohol? Where do you objectively draw the line?
 
Upvote 0

livin4thebigman

Active Member
Aug 2, 2004
81
3
42
exton, pa
✟227.00
Faith
Christian
"There are a lot of words that I never thought were bad that my kids have caught me on because other people have told them they were bad. Like ****, damn, retarded, gay, etc" - Christiangal

You can see that these lists of words that offend people are subjective. Some people are not offended by anything you say, others are offended if you say c***. For instance, my boss has no problem with cursing, yet if you say "retarded" in front of him that offends him because he has past experiences with teaching retarded people and he views that as a degredation of mental handicapped people. Now does that make that word sinful or evil? Absolutely not! Now, should I respect my brother (in Christ) and refrain from using it. Absolutely.
 
Upvote 0

Rafael

Only time enough for love
Jul 25, 2002
2,570
319
74
Midwest
Visit site
✟6,445.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
Although greed and selfishness are probably worse sins that cussing, controling the tongue is a sign and a fruit of the Holy spirit in ones life. What comes from a persons mouth is from their heart and we should be a well of sweet water instead of bitter.

Ephesians 4:29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

Eph 5:3 Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God.

Mt 12:36 And I tell you this, that you must give an account on judgment day of every idle word you speak.

Mt 12:37 The words you say now reflect your fate then; either you will be justified by them or you will be condemned."

Ro 3:13 "Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave. Their speech is filled with lies." "The poison of a deadly snake drips from their lips." 14 "Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness."

Col 3:8 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language.

Col 4:6 Let your conversation be gracious and effective so that you will have the right answer for everyone.

Jas 3:2 We all make many mistakes, but those who control their tongues can also control themselves in every other way.

Matthew 15:1:1 Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.

Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Mt 12:34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. 35 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.

Galatians 5:22 But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law.
 
Upvote 0

christiangal522

Active Member
Aug 21, 2004
254
21
47
Minnesota
✟22,983.00
Faith
Protestant
Marital Status
Single
livin4thebigman--

I did not grow up in a conservative Christian home. I think it makes people sound foolish and unrespectable because for 1. aren'tt there better ways of expressing ourselves? I'm not saying I never swear but I try hard not to because I believe we need to be careful how we talk, esp. as a Christian. Second of all, if you wouldn't say it around a child, why say it at all? Most people teach their children not to swear and they don't tolerate it...why would you tolerate it with yourself then? I dunno...just somethings I've thought about it. There's nothing more repulsive than a "sailor's mouth" and nobody would want their child around that...why would we talk that way around other adults? Swearing is such a touchy topic that everyone either has or has no boundaries about...it's a personal preference but I think you need to be cautious about who you are using curse words around. Respecting others is more important, in my eyes!
 
Upvote 0

livin4thebigman

Active Member
Aug 2, 2004
81
3
42
exton, pa
✟227.00
Faith
Christian
Christiangal...I have stated several times that the use of curse words is ok, however take into account who you are around. This I have already stated and believe.

raphe - All those verses are good, however you are presupposing (with no objective proof) that the foul language the bible is referring to is in fact, swear words.
 
Upvote 0

newlite

Watermelon and Sunsets. Proof GOD loves us!
Aug 16, 2004
2,235
81
Canada
✟25,321.00
Faith
Baptist
Marital Status
Single
livin4thebigman said:
"There are a lot of words that I never thought were bad that my kids have caught me on because other people have told them they were bad. Like ****, damn, retarded, gay, etc" - Christiangal
notice how c-r-a-p is *** out but d*** aint?
 
Upvote 0

Rafael

Only time enough for love
Jul 25, 2002
2,570
319
74
Midwest
Visit site
✟6,445.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
livin4thebigman said:
Christiangal...I have stated several times that the use of curse words is ok, however take into account who you are around. This I have already stated and believe.

raphe - All those verses are good, however you are presupposing (with no objective proof) that the foul language the bible is referring to is in fact, swear words.
If verses right from the Bible in the most modern translation are not objective proof.......then what would be? There are many more verses than those I gave that speak about how we are to conduct ourselves graciously before the world to the point that they cannot speak evil of us or bring reproach upon the Lord's name.
Really, the verses are simple and easy to understand, and attempting to justify a dirty mouth by denying them......well, that is called fooling oneself, and if a person teaches another person to sin, then that is quite a dangerous thing to do which carries great responsiblity. It's better to call sin, whether big or little, sin, and not muddy the waters for others seeking truth or bring reproach to the Lord's name - taking it in vain. Actually, taking the Lord's name in vain is more than what person says, but what they do when they are known as Christians yet do not act like they are in word or deed. This is defined in:

Proverbs 30:8 Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:
9 Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.

1Pe 1:15 Instead, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct;

1Pe 2:12 Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles, so that, though they malign you as evildoers, they may see your honorable deeds and glorify God when he comes to judge.
 
Upvote 0

livin4thebigman

Active Member
Aug 2, 2004
81
3
42
exton, pa
✟227.00
Faith
Christian
"attempting to justify a dirty mouth by denying them......well, that is called fooling oneself"

...then I guess I am just a fool.

Forgivenmuch - I've shown you why I believe what I believe and the reasoning behind it. I pray that you will come to know truth, truth that will set you free from the bonds of legalism.

Continue to question what you've been taught and if it is truth. I for one have been taught a great amount, with a good portion of it being inaccurate. Also, when you come to know truth, be ready to stand your ground because others will not want to hear it, and will judge you for it due to their weakness of mind. Yet we are to continue to help them along in love, until they come to know truth.
 
Upvote 0