Question about curse words?

[LoricaLady]

Just fyi, you can't technically swear using the words God and Jesus. (Though, of course, you can have a disrespectful heart using what you think those words mean, and that's way not good.) The words "God" and "Jesus" are English words, not even close to what the Almighty has named Himself and His Son.

Again, just fyi, what name did the Almighty give to Moses for Himself? Well, the Jews, and ancient Old Testament texts as in the Dead Sea Scrolls, use the letters YHWH (since the Bible text never used vowels).

My research (especially from Messenger of the Name vids) indicates it is pronounced Yahuah, though there is much debate on the pronunciation. Our Messiah was called Yahushuah by Mary. (That is the same as Joshua's name - there is no J in Hebrew.) That means, in Hebrew, Yahuah saves. Some shorten it to Yeshuah.

We read, in our English Bibles, "Whoever calls on the Name of the Lord will be saved." However, the original Hebrew text says "Whoever calls on the Name of Yahuah will be saved." (Of course, again, He is merciful and will also answer to "God" but I've learned to prefer the real Name, personally.)

Now, of course our Father of Mercies responds to prayers with His English - and other nations' - names. But, if we are going to be worried about what words we use, just a thought... Maybe we could start using the Names HE picked for Himself and our Savior? Names are very important in the Bible, very carefully chosen often, and Whose more carefully than Theirs?

 

[1stcenturylady]

I was sent to the Principal's office for saying "heck."

 

[Jack Isaacks]

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?

Frederica said that it's not the actual sound that are dirty or taboo--how can they be so--but the hatred or anger that frequently prompt them.

Glory to Jesus Christ!

 

[Dr Bruce Atkinson]

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?

Bottom line: If you are uncomfortable using them, then don't. If you are offended when others use them, then don't. Otherwise, don't worry about it unless someone tells you that they are offended by some word (or words) you use. Then don't use them.

Even Jesus used harsh language against religious leaders who were hypocrites (Matthew 23) and Paul used a word for refuse or rubbish that could easily be translated as what we flush down the toilet. Some English translators have actually used the word "dung." (Phil 3:8) There a few times when it is appropriate to become more earthy ... when it truly fits the situation.

 

[Dr Bruce Atkinson]

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:

Ephesians 4:29 -
“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear."

Why take a chance on being offensive when other words would communicate the point just as well?

 

[DiscipleHeLovesToo]

i used to have a friend that would say 'john-doe it!' when he got mad instead of one of the more common 'curse' words that would normally be used in place of 'john-doe'; it bugged me worse than hearing the real thing - his heart was just as much in the wrong place, and there was an element of hypocrisy there as well - he was pretending to be 'righteous' by not using what most people would call a 'curse word', yet his anger was just as ungodly, as revealed by his need to use additional words to express his uncontrolled anger - God never lets His anger get out of control, so when we let anger get the best of us, we're acting 'un-Godly'...

Here's Jesus' definition of 'swearing':

Mat 5:33-37 KJV
(33) Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:
(34) But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:
(35) Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.
(36) Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
(37) But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

same verse in the Amplified:

Mat 5:33-37 AMP
(33) "Again, you have heard that it was said to the men of old, 'YOU SHALL NOT MAKE FALSE VOWS, BUT YOU SHALL FULFILL YOUR VOWS TO THE LORD [as a religious duty].'
(34) But I say to you, do not make an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God;
(35) or by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet; or by Jerusalem, for it is THE CITY OF THE GREAT KING. [Psa. 48:2; Isa. 66:1]
(36) Nor shall you make an oath by your head, for you are not able to make a single hair white or black.
(37) But let your statement be, 'Yes, yes' or 'No, no' [a firm yes or no]; anything more than that comes from the evil one. [Lev. 19:12; Num. 30:2; Deu. 23:21]

and in the Bible in Basic English:

Mat 5:33-37 BBE
(33) Again, you have knowledge that it was said in old times, Do not take false oaths, but give effect to your oaths to the Lord:
(34) But I say to you, Take no oaths at all: not by the heaven, because it is the seat of God;
(35) Or by the earth, because it is the resting-place for his foot; or by Jerusalem, because it is the town of the great King.
(36) You may not take an oath by your head, because you are not able to make one hair white or black.
(37) But let your words be simply, Yes or No: and whatever is more than these is of the Evil One.

Here's God's definition of 'curse' when men do it:

Gen 12:3 KJV
(3) And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

same verse in the Amplified:

Gen 12:3 AMP
(3) And I will bless (do good for, benefit) those who bless you, And I will curse [that is, subject to My wrath and judgment] the one who curses (despises, dishonors, has contempt for) you. And in you all the families (nations) of the earth will be blessed." [Gal. 3:8]

and in the Bible in Basic English

Gen 12:3 BBE
(3) To them who are good to you will I give blessing, and on him who does you wrong will I put my curse: and you will become a name of blessing to all the families of the earth.

so it seems to me that when people use words that are traditionally offensive to many people today (but not to everyone as revealed at most construction sites ) to express anger or frustration, it isn't what God defines as 'swearing' and 'cursing'.

i heard about a gang member that got saved and gave her witness at a Christian meeting right afterward; every other word that came out of her mouth was a curse word; yet her witness moved the people there to worship God - i'll bet it didn't bother Him at all

 

[Grandpa2390]

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?

Here is the way I see it. It does boil down to conviction, yes. But there are scriptures that talk about controlling your tongue, corrupt speech. There are also passages dedicated to watching how you present yourself to brothers/sisters and unbelievers. Because how you present yourself and what you do (in freedom even) can cause a fellow believer to stumble, or prevent an unbeliever from believing.

Lots of verses where Jesus essentially said, it doesn't matter if you murder, commit adultery, etc. If you do it in your heart, then you have sinned as if you actually committed the act.

So I would not say the words that have been accepted as curse words. Even the ones that other users on here have said they consider them not to be bad. Because other believers consider them bad, and nonbelievers (even though they use them) consider them bad. If I said that word that begins with a C, my coworkers would gasp and possibly faint. They try to get me to say, even words like that, which others see as ok.

That tells me that I should not use that word. If I have to explain why a certain action of mine is not hypocritical to someone else, then I have destroyed my ability to witness. It isn't worth it.
I may not have "sinned", but I have hindered/sabotaged the work that the Lord is trying to do through me (and even without me). Paul said if eating meat caused his brother to stumble, he would be a vegetarian. (I'm sure he meant, around that brother )

I abstain from those words. I also consider the fact that it isn't the word itself that is just bad. It is also the attitude (like with other sins) by which I do it. So replacing a bad word with another isn't necessarily ok either. Just like looking at pornography isn't ok compared to committing adultery because Jesus said that you've committed adultery.

Ultimately it is up to you to choose since the Bible doesn't say "thou shalt not use this word". The words are always changing. Which is why attitude is important. Once upon a time our current swears had valid meanings before they warped. So if you misuse (curse with) a word long enough with the attitude of a curse word, eventually it will be a curse word.

Highly recommend for questions regarding anything in the grey area (things scripture doesn't speak directly to)
Making the Hard Decisions Easy
Grace to You

 

[Daniel Quartararo]

Ephesians 4:29 - Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

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

Colossians 3:8 - But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.

1 Corinthians 15:33 - Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

Colossians 3:9 - Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

I'll take it one step further and say that you should only speak the words you hear (through discerning God's voice in your mind) your Father speak (like Jesus did).

1 John 2:6 - Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.

 

[Anguspure]

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?

 

[geiroffenberg]

U can use cuss words, specially the americans once lol. Theyre mostly bodypart words and sexual words, which really is natural...im sure god isnt terrible offended! Come to scandinaiva and learn some real cussing! Here is more about calling out various names of satan upon others, now thats CURSING!

Anyways, read the cotton patch new testament and see how it translates pauls "far from it" or "by no means"...they see the greek words as originating from the word gehenna, so they just translate it directly "hell, no".
As f.inst in romans 3:1 "...In the first place Christians are trustees of the word of God All right, so some of them are hypocrites; does their hypocrisy nullify God’s sincerity? Hell no."
Of course, niether "hell" nor "no" is a forbidden word in the bible, so it really shouldnt be a problem!


Another example of Paul using "profanity" is in filippians, where he counts all things " as dung". Well, dung in greek is skubalon, and it is the base common language word for feces, which would be better translated "sh*t"! Adam Clarcke defines it as "the vilest...worst excrements"...

Here is from bible.org that analyzes the etymology of the word paul uses:

"σκύβαλον took on the nuance of a vulgar expression with emotive connotations (thus, roughly equivalent to the English “crap, s**t”)"

The defintions as "crap" is also in websters.
The common vulgar word for exrement is definitly not feces lol. And there IS a lot of sh*t in the world, that could best be described as "sh*t"...Sh*t itself being one of them!)

So, in light of this, remember....Paul said it....so by implication...since all the word in the new testament is believed to be inspired by God....God said it.
God cussed?????

So, who among you christians would like to quote the holyness verses in the bible to try to make God purify his foul language?

I think ill stick with intent behind the words as reason for them being foul, not the word itself.

I had a post recently deleted because it talked about a action somebody did which i thought was a "douche move"...some christian reported this crime, because we all know a douche is a instrument of the devil himself.

But the move he made WAS indeed a very douche move!

Christians will be christians, i guess.

 

[Sammy-San]

Profanity diminishes the sacredness of the human body.

 

[Victor E.]

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?

"Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure. But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:33-37

I would abstain from all unwholesome talk, period.

"Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and tender-hearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:29-32

Christ's forgiveness should be good reason to grow into all holiness. As we grow more intimately acquainted with His ways, The Holy Spirit works good fruit through us as we mature spiritually, until it happens naturally out of love. Our belief in Christ makes our tree good, so our fruit should produce fruits that accord with godliness. It can be hard to break habits! Conviction gradually transforms us. I hope this helps.

 

[LovebirdsFlying]

My interpretation: Whatever words you feel you shouldn't use, then if you do use those words, for you it is a sin. You're doing something you believe to be wrong, in violation of your conscience. To someone else who doesn't believe those words to be wrong, it might not be a sin.

 

[lsume]

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

EDIT: I am also a Vsauce fan.

I believe very strongly that any movie or tv show that uses The Name of My Lord and Savior Jesus The Christ in any form is a show that I will not watch or movie I will not buy. The Dove review from the Dove Foundation reviews movies for Christian content. They list the number of times The Lord's Name is taken in vain and has saved me a lot of time and money. Unfortunately, they didn't start their site until sometime in the 90's from what I can tell. When a movie has not been reviewed by Dove I search for the script and then do a word search. Sometimes I have to copy the entire script and then paste it into a Word document and then do a word search. I've found that often if you go to Google and enter the name of the movie and then the word script followed by "Jesus" or "Christ" the precise phrase in that movie will appear. I'm now a retired mechanical engineer but I did serve in the navy as well as worked as an iron worker through school at LSU during summers and breaks so I've heard it all so to speak. I also worked in a shipyard and as a ditch digger before my first semester in school and before by 4 year enlistment in the navy. I'm personally not bothered by bad language but I've always had a problem with using my Lord's Name in vain. I've walked out of a theater when I heard this happen once and now I'm thankful that I have a way to know before starting to watch. We have a media room with Dolby 7.1 and a 120" screen and own many movies. However, I've thrown away many of the movies we have owned after learning that they used The Name of The Lord in vain.

 

[Sammy-San]

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

EDIT: I am also a Vsauce fan.

I keep having OCD-why is the f word a curse but saying "mating" isnt?

 

[CrystalDragon]

I keep having OCD-why is the f word a curse but saying "mating" isnt?

I think because the f word has negative connotations throughout history while "mating" is just, well, a thing we mainly describe animals doing.

 

[lsume]

I keep having OCD-why is the f word a curse but saying "mating" isnt?

The Bible makes it very clear to not offend someone who is a Babe in Christ. That alone is why I feel convicted not to use that type of language. The word you are writing about is not, in and of itself, a sinful word. However, many find the use of that word to be offensive. Also, The Word of God below affirms my thoughts on the whole subject.

Phil.4

1. [8] Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

 

[CrystalDragon]

I keep having OCD-why is the f word a curse but saying "mating" isnt?

Here's an interesting video on bad words in general.

I love VSauce.

 

[Hearingheart]

hahaha....I'm from Ohio. Evidently we swear a lot here. (according the video).

 

[Grandpa2390]

The Bible makes it very clear to not offend someone who is a Babe in Christ. That alone is why I feel convicted not to use that type of language. The word you are writing about is not, in and of itself, a sinful word. However, many find the use of that word to be offensive. Also, The Word of God below affirms my thoughts on the whole subject.

Phil.4

1. [8] Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

@Superhero Sam
because "to have sex with" is just one of many definitions of that word. the word has taken that definition (same with all cursewords which have real definitions) and has made it slang. Has given in a negative meaning that's purpose is to offend. The word can no longer have a neutral or positive connotation no matter how you mean it because it is too often used in a venomously way.

We don't even use the words in their proper way because of that reason. I'll never refer to a female dog, or a mule, or feces, or whatever else using those words because
1. don't want to offend a brother
2. Don't want people to overhear a piece of the conversation and think that I am using these words in other ways. Then my witness is ruined. Imagine that conversation.

"You are supposed to be a Christian? And you are using that word!?!
"No no no, you don't understand, I used it meaning this..."
Guarantee that person is not going to say oohhhhhh, ok.

do not let what is good for be evil spoken of
abstain from all appearance of evil.



further: as I have established, and as history has established. It is not just the word, but the attitude behind it. any word has the potential to become a curseword. or just a bad word in general. take a word, make it a slang, and use it to curse.
I'm not a big fan of substitute swear words either for this reason. I mean, if you think about it. Saying DANG IT is the exact same thing as saying the other thing. I mean, it is the meaning and attitude that makes the other word bad in the first place...

It's still the same poison, just in a different container.