The Bible on Foul Language

One of the ways our culture is growing coarser is through the use of foul language.

Yes, foul language has been present throughout human history. But it was always deemed inappropriate and crude and ignorant. Now, however, even people who claim to be respectable - and Christians - use such language. There are some in Catholic circles who defend the use of such language.

But when we look at the Bible we see a clear condemnation of foul and inappropriate language.

“Their throat is an open grave, they use their tongues to deceive. The venom of asps is under their lips. Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.”    Romans 3: 13-14

 ^"If any one thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this man’s religion is vain.  Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." James 1: 26-27

"And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is an unrighteous world among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the cycle of nature, and set on fire by hell.  For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by humankind,  but no human being can tame the tongue—a restless evil, full of deadly poison.  With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brethren, this ought not to be so. " James 3: 6-10 

"Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for edifying, as fits the occasion, that it may impart grace to those who hear."  Ephesians 4: 29

 "I tell you, on the day of judgment men will render account for every careless word they utter; ³⁷ for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12: 36-37

"But now put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and foul talk from your mouth." Colossians 3: 8

And there are more.

But it's not just me (or the Bible). Father William Saunders, for example points out that bad language is a sin.

Language is a beautiful thing - when used appropriately. But the devil, as he does with so many other beautiful things God gave us, twists it toward evil and perverse ends.

Pax et bonum

Pax et bonum