The Bible is clear about the power of our words. It warns against using foul language, vulgar speech, or anything that tears others down. Instead, scripture encourages us to use our words to build up, encourage, and speak truth with kindness and respect, reflecting the character of Christ in our speech.
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What Does The Bible Say About Vulgarity
Ephesians 4:29
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
This verse reminds us to guard our speech and avoid using vulgar and corrupting language. Instead, our words should be uplifting and edifying, bringing encouragement and grace to others.
Colossians 3:8-9
“But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices.”
As followers of Christ, we are called to put away obscene talk and replace it with words of truth, kindness, and respect. This verse reminds us to let go of our old ways and embrace a new self that reflects the holiness and love of Christ.
Proverbs 4:24
“Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you.”
God’s wisdom calls us to distance ourselves from speech that is deceitful, dishonest, or vulgar. We are to speak with integrity and honesty, reflecting the character of God in our words.
Matthew 12:36-37
“I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
This verse serves as a sobering reminder that our words carry weight and have consequences. We will be held accountable for the words we speak, so we must be mindful to use language that honors God and brings life to others.
James 3:10
“From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.”
James highlights the inconsistency of using both vulgar and uplifting speech. As believers, we are called to align our words with God’s standards and strive for consistency in speaking blessings and encouragement rather than cursing or vulgarity.
Proverbs 12:18
“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
This verse emphasizes the power of our words to either harm or heal. Using vulgar language can wound those around us, while wise and kind words have the ability to bring healing and restoration.
1 Peter 3:10
“For whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit.”
Keeping our speech pure and free from vulgarity is vital for experiencing the goodness and blessings of life that God desires for us. It is a reflection of a heart that seeks to honor and please God.
Psalm 19:14
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”
As believers, we should strive for our words to be pleasing to God. By avoiding vulgarity and choosing words that honor Him, we align ourselves with His will and invite His presence and blessing into our lives.
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.”
This verse highlights the inappropriateness of vulgarity and crude joking in the life of a believer. Instead, we are called to cultivate a spirit of thanksgiving and speak words that reflect gratitude and honor to God.
Proverbs 21:23
“Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.”
By guarding our tongue and refusing to engage in vulgar speech, we protect ourselves from the harm and consequences that come with it. It is a way of preserving our own well-being and staying in line with God’s commandments.
Psalm 141:3
“Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!”
This verse is a prayer for God to help us control our speech. We recognize the power of our words and ask God to guide us in using language that is pure, respectful, and free from vulgarity.
Colossians 4:6
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”
As followers of Christ, we are called to speak with grace and wisdom. This verse encourages us to reflect on our words and use them in a way that shows respect and consideration for others, without resorting to vulgarity.
Psalm 19:9
“The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether.”
God’s standards are pure and righteous. By avoiding vulgar language, we demonstrate our reverence for Him and acknowledge His holiness. Our speech should reflect the character of the God we serve.
1 Timothy 4:12
“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”
This verse reminds us that our speech as believers should be a positive example to others. By refraining from vulgar language and choosing words that reflect love, faith, and purity, we can influence those around us for good.
Psalm 141:1-4
“O Lord, I call upon you; hasten to me! Give ear to my voice when I call to you! Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice! Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips! Do not let my heart incline to any evil, to busy myself with wicked deeds in company with men who work iniquity, and let me not eat of their delicacies!”
This heartfelt prayer acknowledges the importance of guarding our speech and steering clear of vulgarity. The psalmist asks God to watch over their words, recognizing the potential for evil and temptation. It serves as a plea for purity in both speech and actions.
Proverbs 17:20
“A man of crooked heart does not discover good, and one with a dishonest tongue falls into calamity.”
Vulgar language is often associated with a crooked heart and dishonesty. This verse warns of the consequences that follow those who engage in such speech, emphasizing the importance of integrity in our words.
Psalm 34:13
“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.”
This verse implores us to refrain from using vulgar language and speaking deceitfully. It encourages us to align our words with God’s truth and to use our tongues as instruments of righteousness and kindness.
Proverbs 10:32
“The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked, what is perverse.”
Through wisdom and discernment, those who seek righteousness understand what is acceptable and honor God with their words. In contrast, vulgar language is associated with those who embrace wickedness and perversion.
Proverbs 15:4
“A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.”
A gentle and pure tongue uplifts and brings life to others. Vulgarity and perverseness, on the other hand, damage relationships and break the spirit. This verse encourages us to choose words that bring healing and nourishment to those around us.
Matthew 5:37
“Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.”
As followers of Christ, our speech should be characterized by honesty and truthfulness. Using vulgar language goes against this principle and falls into the category of what Jesus describes as coming from evil.
Proverbs 10:19
“When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.”
This verse highlights the importance of self-control in our speech. By restraining our lips and refraining from using vulgar language excessively, we demonstrate wisdom and discretion.
James 1:26
“If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.”
True religion is not just about outward actions but also about the condition of the heart. This verse emphasizes that a person who fails to control their speech, allowing vulgarity and deceit to proceed from their mouth, is lacking in genuine faith.
Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Our words, like our actions, should be done with the mindset of honoring and glorifying God. Choosing to avoid vulgarity and speaking with gratitude is part of living a life that is surrendered to Christ.
Mark 7:20-23
“And he said, ‘What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.'”
This passage reveals that what defiles a person is not what they consume but what comes from within them, including vulgar speech. It reminds us of the importance of a transformed heart and the need for the Holy Spirit to purify our thoughts and words.