Swearing is a topic that the Bible addresses in an extensive, direct manner. It guides Christians on how they should communicate, advising against the use of offensive and inappropriate language. The teachings in the Bible on swearing provide guidelines for upholding honesty, integrity, and respect when speaking.
Why Does the Bible Discourage Swearing?
The Bible discourages swearing because it often reflects a lack of reverence for God and lacks respect for people. Swearing is typically linked with rage, disrespect, and untruthfulness, all of which are contrary to the values of dignity, respect, and truthfulness that the Bible promotes. By discouraging swearing, the Bible aims to foster a society where communication is pure, respectful, and truthful.
What Does the Bible Say About Swearing and Oaths?
According to the Bible, one should refrain from taking oaths lightly or swearing falsely. It advises people to simply say ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ without resorting to the use of oaths. This is because swearing can lead to various transgressions, including false promises, deceit, and perjury. Furthermore, taking an oath in God’s name is considered a solemn act that calls upon God as a witness. Therefore, such acts should never be taken lightly.
Who Are We to Communicate According To the Bible?
In accordance with what the Bible teaches about swearing, it believes that our communication should mirror our values, character, and faith. Our words should uplift, encourage, and speak truth. The Bible emphasizes that our language reflects our heart, revealing whether it is clean or dirty, loving or hateful, deceitful or truthful. At the core of the teachings against swearing is the idea that communication should maintain respect, uprightness, and honesty.
When Can Swearing Become Sinful?
Swearing becomes sinful when it contradicts the biblical teachings of truth, respect, and love. The usage of offensive language, false oaths, and dishonest communication are all regarded as sinful according to the Bible. Furthermore, using God’s name in a casual or disrespectful manner, often termed as blasphemy, is also given great emphasis as being sinful.
Where Can We Find Guidance on Appropriate Speech in Our Lives?
Guidance on appropriate speech can be found throughout the contents of the Bible. It advises believers to embrace wholesome speech, avoid corrupt talk, and govern their tongues. Not only does it discourage the usage of swearing and offensive language, but it also encourages upbuilding speech that encourages others. Through these teachings, the Bible paints a clear picture of how believers should conduct their speech in order to facilitate an environment of respect, love, and truthfulness.
Below is our full list of bible verses on swearing (King James Version – KJV) provided in ranked order.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Swearing
Ephesians 4:29
“29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”
Related Themes: Gossip Criticism Complaining Judging Others Cursing
Ephesians 5:4-5
“4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.”
James 5:12
“12 But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.”
Related Themes: Telling The Truth Education Oaths Idleness
Matthew 5:33-37
“33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne:35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.”
Related Themes: Oaths
Matthew 12:36
“36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.”
Related Themes: Gossip Idleness Fighting Slander Accountability
Luke 6:45
“45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.”
Related Themes: Abundance Heart Slander Peer Pressure Cursing
Exodus 20:7
“7 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.”
Matthew 5:34-37
“34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne:35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.”
Related Themes: Omnipresence Sovereignty Oaths
1 Corinthians 3:16
“16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?”
Related Themes: Holiness Holy Spirit Omnipresence Gluttony Holy Spirit
Colossians 3:8
“8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.”
Related Themes: Bitterness Gossip Frustration Cursing Anger
Ephesians 5:4
“4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.”
Hosea 4:2
“2 By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood.”
James 3:10
“10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.”
Related Themes: Reputation Cussing Abuse Cursing Profanity
James 1:26
“26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.”
Related Themes: Gossip Bitterness Hypocrisy Judging Others Cursing
Matthew 5:37
“37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.”
Related Themes: Telling The Truth Honesty Sarcasm Consistency Leadership
Proverbs 18:21
“21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”
Related Themes: Gossip Life New Life Self-Control Attitude
Colossians 4:6
“6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”
Related Themes: Gossip Communication Cursing Understanding Boundaries
1 Peter 3:10
“10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:”
Related Themes: Telling The Truth Honesty Life Peace
2 Timothy 2:16
“16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.”
Related Themes: Gossip Arguing Communication Preaching Vanity
Luke 6:28
“28 Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.”
Related Themes: Cursing Vindictiveness
Matthew 15:11
“11 Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.”
Leviticus 19:12
“12 And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD.”
Related Themes: Oaths
James 4:7
“7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Related Themes: Lust Bitterness Addiction Satan Surrender
Proverbs 4:24
“24 Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.”
Related Themes: Telling The Truth
Matthew 12:36-37
“36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.”
Related Themes: Gossip Idleness Fighting Slander Accountability
Matthew 5:22
“22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.”
Related Themes: Frustration Hell Lust Attitude Love
