Soo...."bad" words....

[Drenlin]

I've been thinking about this, and I haven't been able to find anywhere in the bible that speaks of using "bad" words. I understand that "cursing" is a sin, but that's a negative attitude/statement/action being directed at someone/something. Is there any mention of simple expletives that aren't really directed at anything? For example, a general statement of surprise or frustration?

 

[MelodyC]

EPH 5:3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person--such a man is an idolater--has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them.

The serach terms to use are "coarse" and "obscenity" which indicate swearing or rude words.

Looking at HOW we should speak to each other here is a verse that tells us this.

EPH 5:15 Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. 19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Yes curse is another word used to mean swearing, belittle, condemn or speak malicously against. We are warned about what comes out of our mouths.

JAS 3:3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

JAS 3:7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, 8 but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

JAS 3:9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

This should give you some insight in how the Bible views 'bad' language.

 

[Drenlin]

Good verses, but are they really relevant? I''m talking about using words that are labeled "bad" by society as a simple expression of emotion.

"Foolish talk" and "coarse joking" aren't really what I'm talking about, and are sins because of the feelings and thoughts behind them. "Obscenity", in this context, appears to get a bit lost in translation, but the "dirty stories" found in other translations is much closer to the actual word which was used. The root of the word is the same as the one that is translated into "shameful", and in this context, it would appear to relate to the verses immediately before and after, which both have sexual immorality among their topics. Either way, this verse's topic is as much(or more) about the mindset behind the language as it is the actual words used.

The verse in James is rather obviously talking about "cursing", as in the opposite of praise...not really relevant.


Please understand...I'm not trying to prove a point, I'm looking for an answer. I want the right answer, regardless of weather or not it turns out to be socially acceptable.

 

[Craig Allan]

If you feel that these "words" may be causing you to question whether or not they are appropriate, my thought is that they are inappropriate. The previous post contained some very clear scriptures on how the Lord views what comes out of our mouths in James chapter 3. I pray that you reflect on what God is saying, and that you will understand the importance of "taming the tongue"

With Christian Love,

Craig

 

[Drenlin]

I don't think you're really seeing what I'm saying here. Neither of those verses, taken in context, apply to what I'm talking about, unless you have a deeper knowledge of them than me. I've researched them before... Are there any more?

As I'm using them here, Cursing is more-or-less the opposite of praising (i.e. wishing for someone to be damned to Hell), but Swearing is using a word that for some reason or another is a social no-no. WE made those words bad...they didn't even exist when the bible is written. What I'm asking is that because man says the words are "bad", even if there is no sinful meaning behind them, is it still a sin because it's socially unacceptable?

For example...say something scares me, and I let "Oh [insert]!" slip. The ONLY emotion here is surprise. Is it a sin because society says that the word is bad?

Also, why is it acceptable to use substitutes for the words, with the EXACT same meanings and inferred emotions? (EX.- "Oh darn...")


edit: Just so you know, I normally don't swear. If I do, it's usually by accident out of extreme frustration or pain. I'm not trying to justify something that I struggle with. I'm simply trying to find what the bible really says about this. There was a time when people thought it was a sin to help another person up off of the ground on the Sabbath...Jesus, upon being confronted with those laws, promptly dismissed them. I would rather like to know if the same type of thing is happening here...wouldn't you?

 

[MelodyC]

You have to read the Bible for your self and pray. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you with this.

 

[savedtoserve]

Is it a sin because society says that the word is bad? you ask

i do not know if this will help you, but here goes,
I think what you need to look at here is the question you asked about,

(Is it a sin because society says that the word is bad?)

What you need to do is remember people's reaction to you, does play a part in your witness for God, if you claim to be a Christian and then continue to use words that SOUND bad then that is the way they will be taken, Is it a sin - YES - Why because all things that come out of your month as a Christian are to be blessings to His name. and if it is not a blessing then it is not from God.

Unsaved people in society would be quick to pick you up on your speach, or maybe they just dont care with is being said, but it is what God thinks that is important, this is something that you do have to pray about and ask Gods imput in.
No one can judge you for or anyone else if they do use other words as an expression, because we are not to be judges, I believe deep in your heart you already know the answer to this question, so you have to do what the spirit leds, you are only answerable to God.
Every blessing in Christs Love.
Babs

 

[Poppy]

if it hurts someone then its a bad word even a nice word used in a bad way can end up being a bad word

 

[Coconut]

I don't think you're really seeing what I'm saying here. Neither of those verses, taken in context, apply to what I'm talking about, unless you have a deeper knowledge of them than me. I've researched them before... Are there any more?

As I'm using them here, Cursing is more-or-less the opposite of praising (i.e. wishing for someone to be damned to Hell), but Swearing is using a word that for some reason or another is a social no-no. WE made those words bad...they didn't even exist when the bible is written. What I'm asking is that because man says the words are "bad", even if there is no sinful meaning behind them, is it still a sin because it's socially unacceptable?

For example...say something scares me, and I let "Oh [insert]!" slip. The ONLY emotion here is surprise. Is it a sin because society says that the word is bad?

Also, why is it acceptable to use substitutes for the words, with the EXACT same meanings and inferred emotions? (EX.- "Oh darn...")


edit: Just so you know, I normally don't swear. If I do, it's usually by accident out of extreme frustration or pain. I'm not trying to justify something that I struggle with. I'm simply trying to find what the bible really says about this. There was a time when people thought it was a sin to help another person up off of the ground on the Sabbath...Jesus, upon being confronted with those laws, promptly dismissed them. I would rather like to know if the same type of thing is happening here...wouldn't you?

Well thought out Drenlin I delved into this subject years ago, and from a scriptural perspective could not find anything more than you found specifically. As far as society is concerned, we know language is very cultural, and what may be considered a "bad" word in one part of the country, may be a completely acceptable use of language in another. It has been my experience that common consensus pretty much dictates what is acceptable in society and religion, moreso than definitive instruction from the Word of God.

That being said, however, this is definitely a matter of conscience,
and a little study of what the scripture has to say in regards to conscience is sufficient to answer the question I think. I am not "offended" by others choice of words, but because of their own cultural understanding they may well be offended by mine. Scripture tell me "If I wound their weak consciences, I am sinning against Christ." 1Co 8:12 I think this is speaking in regards to 'willful' disregard of the understanding of those around us, not an accidental or unknowing offense. It all comes back to the intent of the heart, and that little thing called love. :wink:

 

[Giggles4God]

Luke 6:43 “For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44 For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. 45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart[g] brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks."


Jesus is speaking here. For me, this means that whatever I say...it mirrors my heart. I don't care if it is a word or phrase during pain (I might have hit my hand on something, etc...) or I'm saying it in a sentence, I try to watch what I say.

I have a hard time still keeping what I say clean and godly, but I do try.

When I hit my hand or whatever on something, I say 'ow'. I have a hard time sometimes thinking bad words, but I take the time to ask God to clean my thinking!


Remember the song...

O be careful little mouth what you say
O be careful little mouth what you say
There's a Father up above
And He's looking down in love
So, be careful little mouth what you say (there is more verses of course...)

There are little ones or others that might hear what you say. So, be careful what you say.

Would it be okay if God overheard you (which he does!)??

 

[evstevemd]

if it hurts someone then its a bad word even a nice word used in a bad way can end up being a bad word

May I disagree with you?
The Society have labeled the Gospel bad and divisive. Is it really bad? No, it is the best thing any man can hear. So Society is never the measure. I think here the issue is who decides what right? If I'm right then If it offends God, then it is bad. If it doesn't offend Him, it is definitely good, no matter how society sees it :shade:

Here is a simple verse:
Matthew 12 35-37

O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
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.
But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

 

[Coconut]

The Society have labeled the Gospel bad and divisive. Is it really bad? No, it is the best thing any man can hear. So Society is never the measure. I think here the issue is who decides what right? If I'm right then If it offends God, then it is bad. If it doesn't offend Him, it is definitely good, no matter how society sees it :shade:

Here is wisdom!

 

[tranquility]

I don't think Christians should cuss

Is it okay for a Christian to cuss?


This question is harder to answer than
it initially seems. On the surface one
could easily say that passages of scripture
like James 1:26 and Ephesians 5:4 indicate
that it is not okay for Christians to use profanity.

One could easily stop with these
two verses and say ‘no, Christians
should not cuss’, but truly that is only
scratching at the topsoil of this
topic. We have further, deeper considerations
when we look at the subject, such as:

“What is profanity and who determines
if something is profane?”
And “What of Christian liberty?”

What is profanity?

I have been asked: If the group I
hang out with uses profanity and
does not think there is anything wrong
with it, is it really profane?
One young man tells me that he
and his buddies (Christians all, I
believe) regularly cuss amongst
themselves, they do not view it as
profane so obviously in this
context, using the ‘F’ word certainly
must be okay…

One writer on the use of profanity said this:
The fact is the evidence that cussing is a sin
just isn’t there. Or at least if it is, I haven’t
been able to find it. So I say this with as
little sarcasm as I can muster: will someone
please direct me to the list of forbidden
cuss words in the Bible?

To be sure, scripture does not give
us a list of words which it considers
profane. The venerable comedian, George
Carlin however, in his own fashion, did
give us such a list. In his bit about
the ‘7 Words You Can Never Say On
Television’, he demonstrated clearly
that certain words are considered profane
by society. In this day and age, that list
is the most concrete example of unacceptable
words which we have.

Language is a fluid and living thing, words
change over time, meanings change over
time. What would have been considered
a cuss word in Jesus’ day, may not be in
use today, or has taken on different meanings.

Ephesians 5:4 Let there be no filthiness
nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which
are out of place, but instead let there be
thanksgiving …
What is it that defines filthiness or foolish
talk or crude joking? The culture we are
living in, without a doubt. No matter how
commonplace profanity is, it’s always pretty
clear what words are profane, and what
words aren’t. We all know this and intuitively
understand it even if we do not have the
academic training in linguistics or sociology
to voice our understanding. We know
instinctively what is considered profane
by society and our culture. We then are
faced with the example I stated above.
If my immediate culture (sub-culture) accepts
certain words and their use, then they must be fine…
I can only say this: If you would not use
those words when speaking to your mother
or father, in church, in a job interview, or when
speaking with someone you have just met, then
they are clearly inappropriate for use, regardless
of one’s immediate company.
It has been shared with me that some
congregations (Emergent and Progressive
Churches, for example) use and accept the
use of profanity, and that they consider this
as part of their ‘witness’, a way to reach those
who may be put off by ‘religious’ people. In fact,
it seems to be a more and more prevalent
course in many churches today to become
worldlier in order to reach the masses.
This is hogwash. Christians are not
Chameleons, changing colors to blend
into their immediate surroundings. We
are to be lights in the world, noticed, and
set apart, through our word and our actions.
Additionally, Christians need to always
be aware of how their speech is going
to be understood by those around them. As
it is, the message of the Gospel is going
to offend many – our use of language should
not offend them.
One indictment of Christians that I’ve
heard is that “Oh, he says he’s a Christian, but
listen to him talk. Swears like a sailor… I
Wonder if he talks that way in church on
Sunday” or something similar. We can, and
should, make our points clear without resorting
to profanity.
Matthew Henry said this:
Filthy words proceed from corruption
in the speaker, and they corrupt the minds
and manners of those who hear
them:
Christians should beware of all
such discourse. It is the duty of
Christians to seek, by the blessing
of God, to bring persons to think
seriously, and to encourage and
warn believers by their conversation.

 

[SpiritLedEd]

In fact, it seems to be a more and more prevalent course in many churches today to become
worldlier in order to reach the masses.

Those churches are preaching a cheap and deceptive gospel - "Just come to Jesus and everything will be o.k.", they say. They ignore the Jesus of Scripture who does accept us as we are when we come to Him, but challenges us to become like Him ("For the tree is known by his fruit" - Mt 12:33).

As for the curse words issue, they still fly out of my mouth in times of stress. But, they're no longer in my everyday vocabulary, praise God! If I wouldn't say it to the Lord face-to-face, its not o.k. to say to anyone else.

SLE

 

[KingsKid4Ever]

"A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treause of his heart beings forth that with is evi: for of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Luke 6:45).

Therefore, whatever is in the heart will eventually reveal itself out of the mouth.

Some bad words do not seem so bad to some people. Just remember that it is what's in your heart (motives) that counts with God.

"For man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7).

 

[Drenlin]

! If I wouldn't say it to the Lord face-to-face, its not o.k. to say to anyone else.

Interesting statement there. Very relevant to my searching, in a way. Would you not say it because He says it's wrong, or because your parents/mentors told you it was wrong?

Now obviously if someone THINKS it's wrong and does it anyway, there's a problem...but that's a different matter...



Tranquility, that's a well-written and thought-out article, for sure, but where did you pull the word "profanity" from? It wasn't in either verse...

 

[SpiritLedEd]

Interesting statement there. Very relevant to my searching, in a way. Would you not say it because He says it's wrong, or because your parents/mentors told you it was wrong?

Its because my conscience says "no"; conscience being that little voice from God in each of us from birth that is there for guidance. The "no" from my conscience was later confirmed by parents and mentors as I matured.

SLE

 

[Drenlin]

I'm not sure that came out right, I apologize. :sadface:

Let me put it this way: The way most people find out what a "bad word" is in the first place is from their parents. Once they've told you that it's something you shouldn't do, then it IS a sin...5th commandment, obviously.

Further, as many posts in the thread have pointed out, it's very much a sin to do it in public, in almost everyone's case, for various other reasons. So yeah, for nearly everyone it's going to be wrong...I se no reason for there not to be a very strong "no" from God in that respect. But, that's not what I'm talking about...

 

[LovebirdsFlying]

I remember as a child, asking what made a certain word "wrong." The word I asked about did not include the name of the Lord, nor did it put anyone down. It was simply a slang term for a biological function. My personal conviction after careful Bible study is that such words are NOT wrong, but you'll notice I don't use them here. Just as Paul taught with eating and drinking, in Romans 14:15, if we are not acting out of love for our brothers and sisters, then even if there is nothing wrong with it, it becomes sin. Therefore, while I may use those words in my own house, among family members who feel the same way I do, I won't use them in front of anyone it would offend.

I am also very careful to watch my language if it means my Christianity might be called into question. Our pastor said once, the worst thing we can do is go out into the world and act just like them.

As for words which do profane the name of our Lord, or which insult people, yes, I do believe those words are wrong and sinful.

Edited to add: yes, I would use the biological words face-to-face with the Lord, unless I am convicted otherwise. At this point, not seeing them as "bad," I would have no reason to hide them from Him. He hears me anyway.

 

[happyharold4]

I personally get so tired of the "liberated christians" that I come into contact with using p----'d off, frick--n and many such other words---They know it grieves anyone who is striving to be Christ like to hear that junk----That stuff is just plain offensive and you don't need hours of Bible study to figure that out----Jesus is pure---Does any of that kind of conversation represent purity???????

Happy