What Does The Bible Say About Swearing?

Is swearing a big deal or not? In today’s world, swearing has become so common that many don’t think twice before using harsh or offensive language. But the Bible warns us about using corrupt, harsh, or unwholesome words—because our speech should reflect the heart of Christ. The Bible has a lot to say about how we speak, and it reminds us that our tongues have the power to build or break, bless or curse. In this blog post we are going to explore what the Bible says about swearing.

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What Does The Bible Say About Swearing?

We may think words are small, fleeting, or harmless—but the Bible reminds us that words carry power. Our words can either breathe life into others or cause harm. They can worship God or dishonor Him. That’s why choosing to speak with grace, kindness, and honesty isn’t just a good habit—it’s a spiritual discipline.

Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. (NKJV)

1. Swearing and corrupt speech go against God’s desire for our words to build others up.

Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. (NKJV)

2. Swearing and filthy language are part of the old nature we’re called to leave behind.

Colossians 3:8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. (NKJV)

3. Swearing and blessing should not flow from the same mouth.

James 3:10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. (NKJV)

4. Swearing and perverse speech are to be intentionally removed from our lives.

Proverbs 4:24 Put away from you a deceitful mouth, and put perverse lips far from you. (NKJV)

5. Swearing defiles the heart.

Matthew 15:11 Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man. (NKJV)

6. Swearing and evil speech must be deliberately avoided.

Psalm 34:13 Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. (NKJV)

7. Swearing contradicts sound speech.

Titus 2:7–8 In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned…(NKJV)

8. Swearing hinders a life of blessing.

1 Peter 3:10 For ‘He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. (NKJV)

9. Swearing flows from a heart lacking wisdom.

Proverbs 10:11 The mouth of the righteous is a well of life, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked. (NKJV)

10. Swearing oaths carelessly is discouraged by Jesus.

Matthew 5:33–37 Do not swear at all… But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.(NKJV)

11. Swearing by oaths can lead to judgment.

James 5:12 But above all… do not swear, either by heaven or by earth… But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ (NKJV)

12. Swearing falsely in God’s name dishonors Him.

Leviticus 19:12 And you shall not swear by My name falsely, nor shall you profane the name of your God: I am the Lord. (NKJV)

Final Thoughts

Whether it’s avoiding profanity, steering clear of harsh or filthy language, or being mindful not to make careless oaths, Scripture invites us to honor the Lord with every word we speak. I hope you enjoyed reading this blog post!

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