Question about curse words?

[DukeJohn]

I know the Bible doesn't specifically name what words are profane or "curse words". from what I understand anything that would cause someone to stumble, or any word that is insulting to another person can be a curse word. but what about words that aren't generally curse words or insulting, for example like suck or heck. i.e "I suck at rollerskating" or, "what the heck was that for?"
I wondered because I've heard many pastors use words like these, and they don't really offend me or anything, but I'm just curious what the bible might say about using these words in the context above.
I don't use words like this because I feel like I've done something wrong when I do, but when it comes to words like these, does it really just boil down to conviction?

 

[CrystalDragon]

I don't see "suck", "crap" or "heck" as curse words, just the more severe kind. And in the biblical context it just says "Thou shall not take the same of the Lord your God in vain" (like God d***it), but nothing about other bad words.

VSauce actually has a very good video on why "bad words" are bad:

 

[Your Brother In Christ]

Here is what the Bible states:

 

[Sammy-San]

I know the Bible doesn't specifically name what words are profane or "curse words". from what I understand anything that would cause someone to stumble, or any word that is insulting to another person can be a curse word. but what about words that aren't generally curse words or insulting, for example like suck or heck. i.e "I suck at rollerskating" or, "what the heck was that for?"
I wondered because I've heard many pastors use words like these, and they don't really offend me or anything, but I'm just curious what the bible might say about using these words in the context above.
I don't use words like this because I feel like I've done something wrong when I do, but when it comes to words like these, does it really just boil down to conviction?

Don't all languages have improper words?

 

[DukeJohn]

Don't all languages have improper words?

They sure do.

 

[Sammy-San]

They sure do.

So how does this confuse you?

 

[NothingIsImpossible]

Its really just a personal belief thing. I mean obvious words like the F word are swearing and not good. But past obvious words its hard to say. Growing up one couple at church wouldn't even let their child watch G rated movies because it said "Drat!" and one scene showed a cartoon person kicking another in the butt. To me its overboard and weird to consider that bad.

But again some people don't like those words/things. I always raised with its ok to say heck over hell. Dang over the D word. And long story short a bad friend got me swearing alot. So I've now learned to instead say "Geez oh man" or "Dang it!".

One thing I struggle to know if its against God or not is "Oh my god!". I avoid taking His name in vain like the JC (offensively). But I don't see [bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse] as offensive really.

I don't see "suck", "crap" or "heck" as curse words, just the more severe kind. And in the biblical context it just says "Thou shall not take the same of the Lord your God in vain" (like God d***it), but nothing about other bad words.

VSauce actually has a very good video on why "bad words" are bad:

Vsauce for the win! I love Vsauce!

 

[CrystalDragon]

Its really just a personal belief thing. I mean obvious words like the F word are swearing and not good. But past obvious words its hard to say. Growing up one couple at church wouldn't even let their child watch G rated movies because it said "Drat!" and one scene showed a cartoon person kicking another in the butt. To me its overboard and weird to consider that bad.

But again some people don't like those words/things. I always raised with its ok to say heck over hell. Dang over the D word. And long story short a bad friend got me swearing alot. So I've now learned to instead say "Geez oh man" or "Dang it!".

One thing I struggle to know if its against God or not is "Oh my god!". I avoid taking His name in vain like the JC (offensively). But I don't see [bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse] as offensive really.



Vsauce for the win! I love Vsauce!

*high fives for being a fellow VSauce fan*

 

[DukeJohn]

Its really just a personal belief thing. I mean obvious words like the F word are swearing and not good. But past obvious words its hard to say. Growing up one couple at church wouldn't even let their child watch G rated movies because it said "Drat!" and one scene showed a cartoon person kicking another in the butt. To me its overboard and weird to consider that bad.

But again some people don't like those words/things. I always raised with its ok to say heck over hell. Dang over the D word. And long story short a bad friend got me swearing alot. So I've now learned to instead say "Geez oh man" or "Dang it!".

One thing I struggle to know if its against God or not is "Oh my god!". I avoid taking His name in vain like the JC (offensively). But I don't see [bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse] as offensive really.



Vsauce for the win! I love Vsauce!

I always thought it was about conviction myself, (I see some professing Christians plainly use curse words like the f word, s word, etc) and like I said, even some Pastors that I know say the c word.
I always thought that referring to a circumstance that God plainly controls and saying "This Sucks" is an insult to him, and maybe a slight lack of trust in him, so I guess

Here is what the Bible states:

Is right, it really depends on the circumstances/situation you're referring to.

EDIT: I am also a Vsauce fan.

 

[~Anastasia~]

Have to admit, when a Catholic priest once said to me that he had "but*-dialed me" (sat on his phone) ... it's not that the word disturbed me, but it did surprise me to hear it from a priest.

 

[sfs]

Its really just a personal belief thing. I mean obvious words like the F word are swearing and not good.

For me, profanity is something that profanes the sacred, and I therefore avoid using "God" or "Christ" or the like as swear words. But words for bodily functions (like your F and S words) have no particular religious significance; they're only taboo by convention, and I see no reason not to use them where appropriate.

 

[Winken]

I am Spiritually offended when I hear curse words. I shudder and recoil when God is mentioned in "that" phrase. If i am in the presence of anyone who begins cursing, I ask him or her to consider that I am a Christian and don't want to hear it. It happens occasionally when my wife and I are in a restaurant. It is not in any way shape or form "silently tolerated." If I am told we can leave, I approach the manager.

No one in our family would dream of using profanity. Why? That's what our children and grandchildren have been taught. Now our great-grandchildren are learning that profanity is a disgusting offense.

 

[sunshineforJesus]

I personally cannot stand it when christians use cuss words.

 

[Kit Sigmon]

I know the Bible doesn't specifically name what words are profane or "curse words". from what I understand anything that would cause someone to stumble, or any word that is insulting to another person can be a curse word. but what about words that aren't generally curse words or insulting, for example like suck or heck. i.e "I suck at rollerskating" or, "what the heck was that for?"
I wondered because I've heard many pastors use words like these, and they don't really offend me or anything, but I'm just curious what the bible might say about using these words in the context above.
I don't use words like this because I feel like I've done something wrong when I do, but when it comes to words like these, does it really just boil down to conviction?

Definition of SUCK... current dictionaries include the updated meaning of suck...it's at the bottom of the definition list on the Merriam-Webster site...and even it say it's slang;sometimes vulgar.

Suck don't actually mean you're bad at something...it's common these days to make a word mean something else... for example: suck - is said to mean bad (usually); this type of thing gets confusing to people who's first language isn't English... it's also confusing to others who don't like this changing definition of words to mean something else... they're like, why not just say you don't skate well instead using the word "suck"?

The word "heck" is a euphemism for hell.

My granny's bible was really old and believe you me it contained "strong language"... many people don't know about that because they use newer bible translations and the "strong language" has been "toned down"....removed and replaced with other words that are suppose to mean the same.

Here's a link to a topic on cuss/swear words: Is it a sin to cuss / swear / curse?

 

[thelordskingdom777]

I have been punished even for using words that were not curse words before or even something disrespectful. So saying a curse word is definitely something bad.

 

[mnphysicist]

When I worked in Italy, a lot of bilingual guys would cuss in English such that coworkers didn't hear it... but God still does as it comes from the heart. I think the same with respect to replacement words, fudge instead of the f word, etc as the intent comes from the heart, and that can get between you and God. Such ties into James 3 which I think also applies to things. I mean that f-ing hammer that you just pounded your thumb with was created by men who were created in God's image.

And yet for some... there is no heart connection to the language they use. Its f-ing this, f-ing that, everything is f-ing like rabbits. In such cases, it could well be that there is no heart intent to curse the hammer or even another person, its merely a unfortunate habit of speech. And yes, it will offend cultural sensibilitys of some folks.. but worse, you can also run up on the meat sacrificed to idols issue and cause one to stumble. Bottom line though, the Ephesian's bit that our speech should be edifying is truly key in this.

It is a tough thing to consider... and yet we are not all at the same place in our walk with Christ. Some sins are easy for some folks to deal with, some sin's are near impossible to deal with, and some sins it may take decades before we see the Holy Spirits illumination/conviction, if we ever do.

 

[RaymondG]

I dont subscribe to the belief of inventing words, calling them bad or curse words and then forcing people to not say them or be at odds with Christ. That being said, I dont use them, or slang....because i didnt grow up using them.....not because I feel they are wrong.

Because I find nothing wrong with it, I dont feel anything negative when I hear others using it. Before, when i was extremely religious, I would curl up my lip and look down on the person who was using "foul language." A shame! I thought....Their parents should be ashamed! I thought. And this negativity sat inside me, eating me up, while I thought i was righteous....and the one cursing was as happy as ever.

I've since put down the fruit the snake offered me, and lost the negativity that i use to feel when others "sinned." ....the grieving spirit feeling... I've found the source of my condemnation of others, was inside Me......I wish i had put it down decades ago.

 

[Mountainmanbob]

If (that's a big IF there) one is filled with the Spirit.
We know when the tongue is out of order.
We need to examine ourselves daily.
For its easy to miss the mark.
One should never think -- it's ok I'm covered.
M-Bob

 

[RaymondG]

If (that's a big IF there) one is filled with the Spirit.
We know when the tongue is out of order.
We need to examine ourselves daily.
For its easy to miss the mark.
One should never think -- it's ok I'm covered.
M-Bob

We can use all the "man-deemed" loviest words in the dictionary and still cut another man down to his soul. You can destroy someone with the sweetest words in the book...you dont have to use "man-deemed" bad word....some of which were recently created.

This is about finding fault is the use of one word other the other, not about the intentions of the words that you use.

 

[Clovis Man]

When I was in high school, back in the "dark ages" (1970's), "suck" used as a curse word indicated oral sex and perhaps non-consensually, "crap" indicated - well we all know what that meant, and "heck" was about as bad as saying "hell" as an expletive. The language sure has changed. It's up to each of us to determine whether we wish to honor that change or not.

I don't see "suck", "crap" or "heck" as curse words, just the more severe kind. And in the biblical context it just says "Thou shall not take the same of the Lord your God in vain" (like God d***it), but nothing about other bad words.

VSauce actually has a very good video on why "bad words" are bad: