Cursing: What did Jesus say about Cursing

Jesus himself did not directly address the act of cursing or “cussing” in the recorded texts of the New Testament. However, the Bible addresses the use of our speech and the importance of speaking in ways that honor God and respect others. Here are relevant verses and takeaways related to the broader Christian understanding of speech, including cursing:

Relevant Bible Verses

1. Ephesians 4:29 (ESV): “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
2. James 3:9-12 (ESV): “With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.”
3. Colossians 3:8 (ESV): “But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.”

Three Main Takeaways

1. The Power of Words: The Bible emphasizes the significant impact our words have on others. Words can build up, encourage, and impart grace, or they can harm, discourage, and tear down. As followers of Christ, we are called to use our speech to edify others and reflect the character of God.
2. Consistency in Character: The inconsistency of blessing God while cursing people, who are made in God’s image, is highlighted as contradictory and unacceptable for believers. Our speech should be consistent with our faith and values, demonstrating the transformation that comes from following Jesus.
3. Holiness in Speech: The call to put away “obscene talk” and other forms of destructive speech is part of the broader Christian call to holiness and living a life that is distinct from worldly patterns. This includes the way we speak, indicating that our language should be marked by purity and respect for others.

In summary, while Jesus did not speak directly about cursing, the teachings of the New Testament clearly outline the expectation that our words—like all aspects of our lives—should honor God and reflect His love and grace to others.