Can anyone give me a scriptural reference on the use of vulgarity?

Question

We know that we are not to take the Lord's name in vain, and that is ignored everytime someone scores a touchdown, but I haven't found one single reference explaining to me why we can't use words like *** and damn, or any of the other "dirty" words that exist. Chapter and Verse please.

The word curse as used in James refers to cursing someone, ie May the fleas of a thousand camels infest your underarms. I don't think our modern "curse" words existed during James' time. In fact our language didn't exist then either.

Answer 1

Thanks for the question. This was fun!

Matthew 12:35-37 (Jesus speaking) “A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good thing, and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things, but I say unto you that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment, for by thy words thou shalt be justified and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.”
Proverbs 22:10 (Solomon speaking) Cast out the scorner and contention shall go out. Yea, strife and reproach shall cease.
1 Corinthians 10:31 (Paul speaking) Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
Psalm 45:2 (David speaking) Grace is poured into thy lips, therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.
Proverbs 22:10 (Solomon again) Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out. Yea, strife and reproach shall cease.
Matthew 5:37 (Jesus again) “But let your communication be, ‘Yea, yea,’ ‘Nay, nay,’ for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.”
Proverbs 22:11 (Solomon again) He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.
James 3:2-10 (James the brother of Jesus - too much to print here; obviously you've thought about James)
Philippians 4:8 (Paul) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Answer 2

James 3:10

Answer 3

Ephesians 5:3-4 Let fornication and uncleanness of every sort or greediness not even be mentioned among YOU, just as it befits holy people;  neither shameful conduct nor foolish talking nor obscene jesting, things which are not becoming, but rather the giving of thanks.

Colossians 3:8 But now really put them all away from YOU, wrath, anger, badness, abusive speech, and obscene talk out of YOUR mouth.

Ephesians 4:29 Let a rotten saying not proceed out of YOUR mouth, but whatever saying is good for building up as the need may be, that it may impart what is favorable to the hearers.

Answer 4

Philipians 4:8

Answer 5

Proverbs 22: 10, 11

Answer 6

"It is not that which proceeds into the mouth of a man that defiles him, for it is destroyed in the stomach and goes out by way of the draft. It is the things which proceed forth from the tongue(profanity,curse words,etc.) that defiles and condemns a man."

Answer 7

Thou shall not kill.


Is inclusive to anger, damaging anothers reputation, honor, or relationship. Jesus states that to think about another in anger, you should stop what you are doing and make peace.

Killing another emotionally, spiritually, or physically is a violation of this commandment.

Answer 8

not sure where but it does say that we are temples of the spirit
and that we should watch what comes out of our mouths
Psam 15:3-4 use words carefully OK theres one

Answer 9

Colossians 3:8

But now put off all these:anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, and let no fifthly communication come out of your mouth.

Answer 10

Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. (Eph 5:4)