Is Swearing A Sin?

[S.O.J.I.A.]

we show that we don't have the right heart attitude towards God's law when we approach it with the attitude of "what can I get away with".

 

[AJTruth]

Ephesians 4:29 tells us, "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."

First Peter 3:10 declares, "For, whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech."

Sin is a condition of the heart, the mind, and “the inner man” (Romans 7:22), which is manifested in our thoughts, actions and when we swear and curse, we are giving evidence of the polluting sin in our hearts that must be confessed and repented of.

When this happens, we receive a new nature from God (2 Corinthians 5:17), our hearts are transformed, and our speech reflects the new nature God has created within us.

Ephesians 5:4
4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks

1 Corinthians 5:11
11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, """""or a railer""""", or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.

KJV Dictionary Definition: railer railer. RA'ILER, n. One who scoffs, insults, censures or reproaches with opprobrious language.

1 Corinthians 6:9-10
9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, """"nor revilers""""", nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

KJV Dictionary Definition: revile (r?'va?l) vb
1. to use abusive or scornful language against (someone or something)

2. to address or speak of with contemptuous, abusive, or opprobrious language.

3. to speak abusively.

 

[Your Brother In Christ]

No excuse -- still more sin from the sinner.
M-Bob

What is your bases for saying that it is a sin?

 

[Dave-W]

What is your bases for saying that it is a sin?

Are you saying God WANTS us to use foul language?

If not - it is a sin. You missed the mark.

OTOH, if God actually WANTS us to talk like that; I sin all the time by NOT using that language.

 

[Sammy-San]

Are you saying God WANTS us to use foul language?

If not - it is a sin. You missed the mark.

OTOH, if God actually WANTS us to talk like that; I sin all the time by NOT using that language.

Does foul mean obscene?

 

[Ken Rank]

Those seem to me to be great answers to a good question about a tough issue. But where we draw the line is even tougher. Most of us wouldn't say that an occasional "darn" that isn't directed at anyone but is just a mild expletive isn't much of an issue. But then there are those curses that none of us would defend, especially if they take the Lord's name in vain. But where do we draw some line? What, for instance, defines "foul language?"

You have a great point. While many will cry "sin" if one uses the F word... most of those same people who cry "sin" will replace the F word with "freaking." In fact, I know many Christians who replace cuss words with less objectionable words but in the end the INTENT is the same... only the word was changed. Is it the word one says that is a sin? In which case... who decides? Gay meant happy... now it means homosexual... words evolve, meanings change... who decides? So is it the WORD one says... or the INTENT behind it? Because if it is the intent... then replacing the F word with freaking or frigging is the same thing as saying the F word. IMHO

 

[Sammy-San]

You have a great point. While many will cry "sin" if one uses the F word... most of those same people who cry "sin" will replace the F word with "freaking." In fact, I know many Christians who replace cuss words with less objectionable words but in the end the INTENT is the same... only the word was changed. Is it the word one says that is a sin? In which case... who decides? Gay meant happy... now it means homosexual... words evolve, meanings change... who decides? So is it the WORD one says... or the INTENT behind it? Because if it is the intent... then replacing the F word with freaking or frigging is the same thing as saying the F word. IMHO

How is not saying a replacement just as bad as the F word?

 

[Neogaia777]

Actually no, the definition of sin is not that it falls short of the goal of Christian Charity, but that sin, is anything that causes separation from God.

In Christ, when you are in him, and with him, nothing can ever separate you from God after your born again in him... Not even sin...

In fact if your overly aware of this fact, you might think, at times, why you can never get away from him, but...

Anyhow,

God Bless!

Oh yes... "Love covers a multitude of sins..." Also innocent shed blood of someone greater than you, covers you no matter what for a lifetime...?

If only you believe in it and him, by faith...

Peace,

God Bless!

 

[Neogaia777]

"Swear" is defined as "cursing" "anything", in anger, frustration, ect, I think... And, yes, is sin... Your suppose to have enough self-control not to... Part of the taming of the tongue as we mature... But may not be fully in control till we fully mature...

God Bless!

 

[Ken Rank]

How is not saying a replacement just as bad as the F word?

I didn't say it wasn't. I am saying that if instead of saying the F word we say freaking or frigging... and the tone and manner of delivery is the same... then it is the same.

 

[Albion]

You have a great point. While many will cry "sin" if one uses the F word... most of those same people who cry "sin" will replace the F word with "freaking."

I know! Isn't that choice? Everyone who hears this substitute or that other one that also begins with an "f," knows exactly what is meant.

In fact, I know many Christians who replace cuss words with less objectionable words but in the end the INTENT is the same... only the word was changed. Is it the word one says that is a sin? In which case... who decides? Gay meant happy... now it means homosexual... words evolve, meanings change... who decides? So is it the WORD one says... or the INTENT behind it? Because if it is the intent... then replacing the F word with freaking or frigging is the same thing as saying the F word. IMHO

It's a toughie, all right. We could push the point a little and say that "darn" is such a term, but on the other hand all that it replaces is "damn," which is hardly in the category of the word you're using for your example. So....?

 

[Sammy-San]

I didn't say it wasn't. I am saying that if instead of saying the F word we say freaking or frigging... and the tone and manner of delivery is the same... then it is the same.

How so?

 

[Ken Rank]

Incidentally... saying "GD" is not taking "His name" in vain. "God" is not His name and "name" in Hebrew, especially in the sense of the commandment in question, is not dealing with "what we call Him." Instead, the Hebrew word for name, shem... is dealing with the name bearer's character, reputation, and authority. To take His name in vain is to claim to be His and then live in a manner that stands opposed to His character and authority. So.... not saying it is ok to say "GD," it is NOT. But that isn't what the command means.

 

[Ken Rank]

How so?

Sam, you're making me rewrite what I have already written in the first post you commented on. If one has a foul intent and uses a cuss word.... or if one has a foul intent and uses a replacement word... with the same tone and intent... then what is the difference? Nothing... the INTENT was still to display frustration or aggravation through a foul word. And just because one said freak or darn instead of F or D... what is the difference? Nothing... the person who uses the replacement word still... at least temporarily... had a heart issue.

 

[Albion]

"Swear" is defined as "cursing" "anything", in anger, frustration, ect, I think... And, yes, is sin... Your suppose to! have enough self-control not to... Part of the taming of the tongue as we mature... But may not be fully in control till we fully mature...

God Bless!

So would it be preferable--and harmless--to use some bland term instead? Like "Baloney!" or "Nuts!" You'd still be transgressing the point about not being totally in control or about taming the tongue, or (as Ken said) showing frustration.

 

[Dave-W]

Does foul mean obscene?

It includes "obscene" but also covers epithets using God's Name, hurtful insults and tale bearing designed to denigrate someone's reputation.

 

[Albion]

How so?

Everyone hearing it knows exactly what it replaces. If the speaker is going to do that, he might as well say the real word and mispronounce it. He could then use the same reasoning that he didn't actually use the forbidden expletive, just as if he'd used the substitute we're talking about.

 

[Neogaia777]

So would it be preferable--and harmless--to use some bland term instead? Like "Baloney!" or "Nuts!" You'd still be transgressing the point about not being totally in control or about taming the tongue, or (as Ken said) showing frustration.

If your perfect, nothing should ever make you or be allowed to push you to the point to wanna swear, no matter how clean or dirty...

 

[Albion]

Well, no one among us is perfect. We're talking about making a choice concerning an everyday practice.

 

[Your Brother In Christ]

Are you saying God WANTS us to use foul language?

If not - it is a sin. You missed the mark.

OTOH, if God actually WANTS us to talk like that; I sin all the time by NOT using that language.

If it is not stated, in the bible it does not mean it is automatically a sin. Breathing air is not stated in the Bible as a sin or not, but if we follow the logic that you are implying, then it would be a sin to take a breath. What I am saying is if you are going to say that something is a sin, shouldn’t you have some scripture to back it up? I do not think that you have the authority to condemn someone to eternal hell for something on your own.