As Christians, we are called to live lives that reflect the holiness of God and the love of Christ in every aspect, including our speech. The Bible is clear that our words have significant power—not only to reflect our hearts but also to influence the lives of others. In Ephesians 4:29, Paul admonishes believers:
“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.”
In other words, Christians should be focused on building others up through their speech, ensuring that their words encourage, inspire, and show grace. This teaching goes beyond simply avoiding vulgar language or even “shoot cussing”—using substitute words like “dang” or “heck” to replace profanities. While it is important to avoid profane language, it is just as critical, if not more so, to actively use our words to edify others. This essay will explore the biblical call for wholesome speech, examining the sins of commission and omission in speech, and how a Christian’s words should reflect God’s righteousness.
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The Power of Words in Scripture
The Bible speaks frequently about the importance of words and their impact on the heart, mind, and spirit. Proverbs 18:21 is one of the clearest passages on the power of words:
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
In this verse, Solomon warns that words can be either life-giving or destructive. The person who speaks words of encouragement, hope, and wisdom is offering life to those who hear. But conversely, words that are harsh, hateful, or slanderous bring death, either through broken relationships, hurt feelings, or damaged reputations.
Jesus Himself taught that what comes out of our mouths reflects what is in our hearts. In Matthew 12:34, He says:
“For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”
This connection between the heart and speech emphasizes that how we speak is a reflection of who we are as believers. Cursing, or using vulgar language, reveals a heart issue—whether it’s frustration, anger, or bitterness—just as much as it reflects a failure to align with God’s Word. Simply refraining from saying swear words is not enough if our hearts remain full of malice, pride, or bitterness.
The Sins of Commission and Omission in Speech
A significant aspect of Christian speech is the concept of sins of commission (doing wrong things) and sins of omission (failing to do what is right). It is often assumed that if a Christian avoids cussing, they are automatically speaking in a way that honors God. However, avoiding profanity is only one part of the equation.
The Bible teaches us not just to avoid sinful speech but to actively engage in speaking words that build up and encourage others. In James 4:17, we read:
“If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.”
This principle applies to speech as well. Sins of omission in our speech occur when we fail to speak words of encouragement, truth, or love when they are needed. Simply avoiding curse words is not the same as doing what we should—actively using words to bless others.
The New Testament calls Christians to use their speech to reflect the character of Christ. In Colossians 4:6, Paul writes:
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
This command to speak with grace is an active pursuit. It’s not just about avoiding harmful words; it’s about intentionally using words that are gracious, helpful, and uplifting. A Christian should be proactive in speaking life, not just passively avoiding what is harmful.
The Example of Paul: Building Up Rather Than Tearing Down
A powerful example of the importance of building others up with words comes from the life and teachings of the Apostle Paul. In his letters, Paul frequently emphasizes the need for Christians to speak in a way that promotes unity, peace, and edification within the Church.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Paul exhorts believers:
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Paul encourages the believers to use their words to build up one another. This isn’t just about avoiding sinful speech, but about actively encouraging others, affirming them, and helping them grow in their faith.
In Ephesians 4:15, Paul also reminds believers:
“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”
This call to speak the truth in love emphasizes that it’s not enough to simply speak truth—it must be done in a way that is loving and edifying. Christians should strive to speak in a way that not only corrects or teaches but also builds up the hearer in their walk with Christ.
Building Others Up in a World of Negativity
In today’s world, we are constantly surrounded by negativity—whether it’s in the media, social networks, or even in everyday conversations. It’s easy to join in and let frustration, sarcasm, and cynicism influence our speech. However, Christians are called to stand apart by offering words of hope, encouragement, and grace. In Romans 12:14, Paul writes:
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”
This command emphasizes that even in difficult circumstances, Christians are called to bless rather than curse. Rather than falling into the trap of shoot cussing or giving in to negative speech, believers are called to actively bless those around them, especially when they are frustrated or hurt.
The Story of David and Saul: A Lesson in Speech
A striking biblical example of speech—both its power to build up and destroy—can be found in the relationship between David and King Saul. In 1 Samuel 24, Saul, seeking to kill David out of jealousy, is caught in a vulnerable position while relieving himself in a cave. David’s men urge him to take advantage of the opportunity and kill Saul, but David refuses. Instead, David cuts off a piece of Saul’s robe and later confronts Saul with it. He says in 1 Samuel 24:12:
“May the Lord judge between you and me, and may the Lord avenge the wrongs you have done to me; but my hand will not touch you.”
David chooses to speak in a way that reflects his trust in God’s judgment rather than resorting to revenge or harmful speech. Even in the face of severe provocation, David demonstrates the power of gentle words that disarm his enemy and lead to peace.
David’s refusal to speak ill of Saul, even when it was justified, shows us the importance of forbearance in speech. The words we speak, whether in anger, frustration, or even righteous indignation, can either escalate a situation or bring about reconciliation. David chose to speak words that built up peace and trust in God’s justice, rather than giving in to the temptation to curse or retaliate.
The Heart of the Matter: A New Creation in Christ
At the heart of Christian speech is the truth that, as believers, we are new creations in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
The old self, with its sinful desires and harmful speech, has been replaced by a new self that is empowered by the Holy Spirit. This transformation should be evident in how we speak—no longer reflecting the negativity and destructiveness of the world, but instead reflecting the love and grace of Christ.
Conclusion: More Than Avoiding Cursing
While avoiding cursing and using milder substitutes is an important first step, Christians are called to go further—actively building others up through their speech. The Bible teaches that words have the power to give life or bring death, and we are encouraged to use our speech to reflect the righteousness and grace of God. We must speak in a way that encourages, edifies, and points others to Christ. Let us not only avoid cursing, but let our words reflect the transformative power of Christ in us, offering words that promote peace, healing, and growth.
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
