Our Speech: What About Cursing and Evil Language?

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Our Speech

What About Cursing and Evil Language?

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We encounter language considered “foul” in all aspects of life, even those that used to be expected to be “too professional” for that type of speech. I’ve ran into it frequently at school, work, and various other places, and peer pressure is a powerful tool Satan can use to influence us to sin. While some people claim to be “above” swearing, cussing, and taking God’s name in vain, we have all at one point or another said something we had to apologize for or wish we could take back.

Our words governed by God’s word

The Bible has a plethora of wise words to offer on the subject of our speech. Two of the Ten Commandments place rules specifically over what we should not say, while the others can be broken with our words too (Exodus 20). For instance, expressing one’s hatred for someone would break God’s command to not murder. In verse 7 we read that we are “not guiltless” if we blaspheme God’s name (also commanded in Leviticus 19:12). As such, we would be guilty of breaking God’s Law and face the death penalty. The word “vain” indicates pointlessness and selfishness, and could even be considered a form of idolatry, as by committing this sin we hoist ourselves to a level where our intent behind using the name of God is elevated above the holiness of His name. Putting our will above God’s Will is certainly a sin.

The book of Revelation teaches us that our speech could prevent us from entering God’s Kingdom. In Revelation 21:8, we read that among the people burned in the lake of fire are the “abominable”, “idolaters”, and “liars”. There are clear consequences for not repenting of this sin, as with any sin.

Accountability is required

Christians and eventually the world will be judged in part by what we say. Christ revealed that “by every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment,” and went on to say our words can justify or condemn us (Matthew 12:33-37). We have a huge accountability for what we say, and it is obviously something God places great significance on. Earlier, Christ mentioned that by the “abundance of the heart the mouth speaks”. What is in our hearts is also important to God, and the saying “garbage in, garbage out” remains true. If we fill our eyes, ears, mind, and heart with junk, why should we be surprised when anything but filthy and disgusting language seeps out?

Speech is a powerful tool. In one of David’s psalms dealing with a tragic story, God shows that words can bring either peace or violence (Psalms 55:9-11). David mentions that because of this, his city is in trouble: “Destruction is in its midst; Oppression and deceit do not depart from its streets.” Our words have the power to build up or to destroy, and so it is no wonder God requires such accountability from our usage of them.

We must respect God’s name if we desire to be His disciples, and failing to do so is a sin. There are both physical and spiritual consequences of both this and many other forms of evil speech, including swearing, being offensive, lying, and boasting. 

We are known and will be judged by our actions, of which our speech is a part. The internal thoughts and desires we have produce this speech, which we are entirely accountable for. Speech is one of the many mighty tools God gives us, and we can use it for good or for evil. Let’s be sure our words are doing good!