The words we use have a profound impact on those around us. The Bible offers verses that caution against using foul language and encourage us to speak with kindness and integrity. Join us in exploring these scriptures and understanding the importance of our speech in our Christian walk.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Putting God First
Bible Verses About Foul Language
Ephesians 4:29
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
This verse reminds us to guard our tongues and speak words that are beneficial for building up others. It emphasizes the importance of using our words to encourage and edify, rather than using foul language.
Colossians 3:8
“But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”
In this verse, we are instructed to put away all forms of negative and harmful speech, including foul language. It encourages us to cleanse our hearts and minds, and to choose words that bring life and positivity.
Matthew 15:11
“What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.”
This verse teaches us that foul language doesn’t come from external influences, but from within our hearts. It reminds us to examine our hearts and to cultivate purity and righteousness in our speech.
James 3:10
“Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.”
James highlights the inconsistency of using both positive and negative words from the same mouth. It challenges us to align our speech with our faith and to avoid using foul language that contradicts the love and grace of Christ.
Proverbs 4:24
“Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you.”
This verse encourages us to distance ourselves from any form of deceitful or deceptive speech. It reminds us to be honest and upright in our words, avoiding foul language that can lead to dishonesty and miscommunication.
Colossians 4:6
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
This verse encourages us to speak with grace and wisdom, even in difficult situations. It reminds us that our words have the power to impact others, and challenges us to choose words that are uplifting and filled with love.
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
This verse reminds us of the power of our words in diffusing tense situations. It encourages us to respond with gentleness and kindness rather than using foul language or harsh words that escalate conflict.
Exodus 20:7
“You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.”
This commandment reminds us to honor and respect the name of God. It extends to the way we use language, not only avoiding the misuse of God’s name but also avoiding any words or expressions that demean or dishonor His name.
Matthew 5:37
“All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”
In this verse, Jesus encourages honesty and simplicity in our speech. It reminds us to be truthful and straightforward in our words, avoiding the use of foul language that can be manipulative or deceitful.
Ephesians 5:4
“Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.”
This verse reminds us to avoid speaking obscenely or engaging in foolish and coarse joking. It challenges us to use our words to express gratitude and thanksgiving, rather than indulging in foul language or inappropriate humor.
Proverbs 10:19
“Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.”
This verse teaches us the importance of exercising self-control over our speech. It encourages us to be wise and discerning, refraining from using foul language or excessive words that can lead us into sin.
1 Timothy 4:12
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
As believers, we are called to be ambassadors for Christ and set an example in all areas of our lives, including our speech. This verse reminds us to use words that reflect Christ’s love, avoiding foul language that might undermine our testimony.
Proverbs 20:15
“Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.”
This verse highlights the value and importance of speaking words that are filled with wisdom and knowledge. It encourages us to use our speech to bless and edify others, rather than resorting to foul language that lacks substance.
Proverbs 21:23
“Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of exercising self-control over our speech. It reminds us that by guarding our mouths and refraining from using foul language, we can prevent unnecessary conflicts or negative consequences.
Proverbs 12:18
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
This verse emphasizes the impact of our words in either hurting or healing others. It encourages us to use our speech wisely, choosing words that bring comfort, encouragement, and healing, rather than resorting to foul language that causes harm.
Psalm 19:14
“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
This verse serves as a prayer for guidance and aligning our speech with God’s will. It reminds us to surrender our words to Him, striving to speak in a way that pleases Him and reflects our relationship with the Lord.
Luke 6:45
“The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart, his mouth speaks.”
This verse emphasizes the connection between the condition of our hearts and the words that come out of our mouths. It serves as a reminder to guard our hearts and seek purity, so that foul language doesn’t find its way into our speech.
Proverbs 13:3
“Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.”
This verse highlights the importance of self-control over our speech. It encourages us to guard our lips and choose our words carefully, avoiding foul language and reckless speech that can lead to negative consequences.
Matthew 12:36-37
“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
This sobering passage reminds us of the weight and significance of our words. It challenges us to be careful and intentional in our speech, choosing words that honor God and avoiding the use of foul language that may lead to condemnation.
James 1:26
“If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of controlling our speech. It warns against the hypocrisy of claiming to be religious while using foul language, and calls us to align our words with our commitment to follow Christ.
Proverbs 18:21
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
This powerful verse reminds us of the impact of our words. It challenges us to choose our words wisely, understanding that they have the power to bring life and blessings, or to inflict harm and destruction.
Proverbs 15:4
“The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”
This verse contrasts the impact of kind and gentle words with foul and hurtful language. It encourages us to speak words that bring comfort, healing, and life, rather than using foul language that crushes the spirit of others.
Proverbs 16:24
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
This beautiful verse highlights the sweetness and healing power of gracious words. It challenges us to speak words that are filled with love and kindness, avoiding foul language that offends or hurts others.
Proverbs 25:11
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.”
This verse captures the beauty and impact of words spoken at the right time, in the right manner. It challenges us to choose our words carefully, ensuring that they bring value and encouragement, rather than resorting to foul language that tarnishes their beauty.
What Does the Bible Say About Foul Language?
As Christians, we are called to let no unwholesome talk come out of our mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs (Ephesians 4:29). This means avoiding foul language and instead using our words to encourage, uplift, and bring glory to God.
The book of James reminds us that the tongue is a small part of the body, but it can cause great damage. It compares the tongue to a small spark that can set a whole forest on fire (James 3:5-6). This warns us about the power of our words and the importance of using them carefully and wisely.
Furthermore, Jesus teaches us that what comes out of our mouths is a reflection of what is in our hearts (Luke 6:45). Therefore, as followers of Christ, we should strive to fill our hearts with love, kindness, and purity so that our speech will reflect these virtues.
In Colossians 3:8, we are specifically instructed to rid ourselves of all anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from our lips. This is a clear indication that foul language is not in line with the character of Christ and should have no place in our communication with others.
Ultimately, our goal as Christians is to honor God with our words and be a positive influence on those around us. We should strive to speak in a way that reflects the grace and love of Christ, avoiding foul language and instead using our speech to build others up and point them towards the goodness of God.