12 Bible Verses About Swearing And Cursing

Written by: Evelyn Johnson
Published on:

This article provides twelve powerful Bible verses about swearing and cursing.

The Bible teaches that Christians should use their words to build others up and honor God, avoiding language that is vulgar or hurtful.

Swearing and cursing can reflect a lack of self-control and respect for God.

The book of James emphasizes the importance of controlling one’s tongue, while the book of Proverbs contains many verses about the power of words and their consequences.

Ultimately, our words should reflect the character of Christ and bring glory to God.

Bible verses about swearing and cursing

Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about swearing and cursing:

1. “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.” – Exodus 20:7
2. “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.” – Ephesians 4:29
3. “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” – Matthew 12:36
4. “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.” – James 5:12
5. “Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.” – James 3:10
6. “But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.” – Colossians 3:8

7. “The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.” – Proverbs 10:32
8. “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1
9. “Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.” – Proverbs 21:23
10. “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” – Colossians 4:6
11. “But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne.” – Matthew 5:34
12. “For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” – Matthew 12:37

What does the Bible say about swearing and cursing?

The Bible teaches that swearing and cursing are not appropriate for Christians.

It emphasizes the importance of using our words to build others up and to honor God.

Swearing and cursing can be harmful and offensive to others, and can also reflect a lack of self-control and respect for God.

Instead, the Bible encourages us to speak with kindness, love, and respect, and to avoid using language that is vulgar or hurtful.

Ultimately, our words should reflect the character of Christ and bring glory to God.

What Bible chapters should you read if you want to learn more about swearing and cursing?

I can suggest that reading the book of James in the New Testament may provide insight into the topic of swearing and cursing. James emphasizes the importance of controlling one’s tongue and using words to build up rather than tear down. Additionally, the book of Proverbs in the Old Testament contains many verses about the power of words and the consequences of using them carelessly.

Ideas and concepts related to swearing and cursing that are also taught or mentioned in the Bible.

In the Bible, there are several related concepts to swearing and cursing, including blasphemy, oaths, and the power of words.

Blasphemy refers to speaking disrespectfully or irreverently about God or sacred things. It is considered a serious sin in Christianity, and the punishment for blasphemy in the Old Testament was death. Swearing and cursing can often involve blasphemy, as they may involve using God’s name in vain or insulting religious beliefs.

Oaths are promises made in the name of God or a higher power. In the Bible, oaths were taken very seriously, and breaking an oath was considered a grave sin. Swearing and cursing can sometimes involve making false oaths or breaking promises, which is also condemned in the Bible.

Finally, the Bible emphasizes the power of words and the importance of using them wisely. Proverbs 18:21 states, “The tongue has the power of life and death,” meaning that our words can have a profound impact on ourselves and others. Swearing and cursing can be harmful and hurtful, and the Bible encourages us to use our words to build up and encourage others, rather than tearing them down.

Overall, the Bible teaches that swearing and cursing can be sinful and harmful, and encourages us to use our words wisely and respectfully.

Evelyn Johnson - Bible Verses
Written by Evelyn Johnson


Evelyn Johnson is a theologian, Bible expert, and the founder of EncouragingBibleVerses.org, a trusted resource for uplifting and empowering Bible verses.

With a Master's degree in Divinity, Evelyn is dedicated to studying and interpreting the Bible. Her website features curated collections of verses on various topics, along with insightful commentary and practical tips for everyday life.

Evelyn is also a sought-after speaker and author on matters of faith and spirituality. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and volunteering in her local church and community.

Learn more about her and read her other articles here.