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- P L U N D E R E R
- Jul 17, 2025
- 3 min read
A lot of us are familiar with foul language. We hear it from our neighbors, our coworkers, and the media we consume is full of it. Foul language has become so mainstream that we sometimes struggle to distinguish it from other types of verbal communication.
While cussing and the use of coarse, foul, and obscene words have become commonplace nowadays, God's take on it is very different from ours. The Bible repeatedly warns believers to be cautious about what they say and how they express themselves.
In the past, I would have defined foul language as the words and expressions that a person would not use in front of their parents or their pastors. However, the word has changed so much that the average parent and, dare I say, pastor now expresses themselves with coarse language. And since we no longer censor most foul words, I also can't say that foul language refers to the words that get bleeped out of songs and shows.
Nevertheless, permit me to say that cussing/foul language refers to coarse and obscene words and concepts that would be unacceptable in polite or formal speech. Think about the words you'd avoid if you were speaking to royalty. Those words that you apologize for when they slip past your lips during a discussion with someone you know who doesn't talk that way.
God's take is found in 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. Then we are told in Ephesians 5:4 - Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.
God takes what He says seriously. This is why an angel told Mary that no word from God will ever fail (Luke 1:37). Is it possible that, having been made in His image, He takes the words we speak very seriously as well? Indeed, it is. This is why He warns in Proverbs 18:21 - The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences (NLT). He also says in Proverbs 21:23 - Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble (NLT). An unguarded tongue that is allowed to say whatever it likes will corrupt the whole body and send the person to hell (James 3:6).
It is only the wicked who use perverse, coarse, ungodly language, according to Proverbs 10:32. Why would we, the people who claim to believe in Jesus and what He taught, then choose to be like the wicked in the way that we speak? Shouldn't we desire to obey our Savior's instructions as well as those of His Father so we can be counted among the righteous?
Let us be more mindful of how we express ourselves, avoiding foul language, coarse terms, and obscene expressions when we speak. This also applies to written communications. A lot of us ignore the actual meaning of some of the abbreviated terms we use when chatting online or on our phones. Take a second look at that acronym you typed. What does each letter stand for? Now, ask yourself if that is how God wants you to express yourself?
The Lord will help us all as we learn how to speak worthy and not worthless words, and not to express lewd and obscene concepts when we communicate. May He help us avoid the places, people, and media that normalize such speech. May He help us to guard our hearts, for that is where our speech originates from, IJMN Amen.
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