A Christian who curses ruins their witness. They cannot represent a Holy God while speaking like the world. Jesus calls us to be the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). Darkness cannot shine.
By Evangelist Peter Gee — Editor-in-Chief, Christianity News Daily
Introduction: The Urgent Need to Address a Disturbing Shift in Modern Speech. Over the past decade, a dramatic shift has occurred in the way society communicates. Words that were once considered shameful, vulgar, and socially unacceptable are now spoken freely by children, teenagers, adults, teachers, politicians, professionals, celebrities, and even clergy. The casual insertion of words like s—, f—, and other forms of profanity into everyday speech has become normalized through social media, Hollywood movies, popular music, comedy, and reality television. Even more troubling is how Christians—men and women who bear the name of Jesus Christ—have adopted this cultural trend, blending coarse language into their conversations as if God were indifferent to the corruption of the tongue.
But God is not indifferent. Scripture speaks powerfully and repeatedly about the words we speak. Jesus Himself declared, “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:37, NKJV). If this is true—and it is—then the world’s new language of profanity is not a harmless trend. It is a spiritual danger. It is a reflection of moral decay. And it is a prophetic indicator of a society drifting further from God.
The Bible’s Direct Teaching on Corrupt Speech
The Word of God is unambiguous regarding speech. Both the Old and New Testaments condemn profanity, swearing, coarse jesting, and unclean communication.
1. Jesus’ Words Were Pure—Ours Should Be Also
Scripture emphasizes that Jesus never spoke profanely nor used vulgar expressions to make a point. Peter, quoting Isaiah, says of Christ:
“Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth” (1 Peter 2:22).
If we follow Christ, we follow His speech.
2. Let No Corrupt Word Proceed Out of Your Mouth
Paul writes with heavenly clarity:
“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification” (Ephesians 4:29).
The word corrupt means “foul, rotten, diseased.” By biblical definition, profanity and obscenity are spiritual toxins.
3. Coarse Jesting Forbidden
Again, the apostle warns:
“Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks” (Ephesians 5:4).
There is no wiggle room. Coarse language is not fitting for a believer.
4. The Tongue Reveals the Heart
Jesus also declared:
“For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34).
A filthy tongue is not merely a habit—it is a heart issue.
The Rise of Profanity: A Story of Moral Decline
A few months ago, I walked into a store and witnessed a troubling scene. A mother was correcting her 10-year-old son for a minor infraction. Instead of guiding him gently, she exploded into a fit of rage, filled with profanity. The words she used—though censored here—were shocking, mainly spoken toward a child. The young boy, however, did not flinch. He responded in kind, using the same vulgar terms back at her.
A generation ago, such behavior would have stirred public outrage. Today, nobody said anything. Nobody blinked. Nobody intervened.
This story is now familiar in homes, workplaces, classrooms, restaurants, sports fields, and even churches. A profanity-soaked culture has taken root.
Children curse freely. Teenagers express anger with vulgarity. Adults use profanity as a sign of humor, emphasis, or cultural “relatability.” Celebrities build entire careers on obscene language. Social media encourages shock value for views and likes. Television, which once censored profanity, now glamorizes it. And Hollywood—the world’s most influential moral teacher—has made profanity fashionable.
Satanic Influence Through Media and Culture
The explosion of profanity is not simply a cultural evolution—it is spiritual. Satan, the deceiver and corrupter, has strategically influenced society to normalize curses, obscenities, and rage-filled speech.
Jesus told the Pharisees:
“You are of your father the devil… he is a liar and the father of it” (John 8:44).
Satan’s fingerprints are all over any trend that corrupts speech, destroys purity, celebrates rebellion, and mocks holiness. Media platforms—movies, music, comedy, YouTube, TikTok, and streaming services—are powerful tools shaping speech and morality.
What enters through the ear becomes normalized in the heart.
What is normalized in the heart becomes expressed through the mouth.
And what is expressed through the mouth becomes the culture.
How Profanity Degrades the Soul
1. Profanity Desensitizes the Conscience
Once a person starts using profanity, the conscience becomes numb. What once felt shameful becomes normal. And what becomes normal becomes “acceptable,” even though God calls it sin.
2. Profanity Weakens Spiritual Authority
No believer who curses can effectively preach holiness. Apostle James warns that blessing God while cursing men is hypocrisy:
“Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so” (James 3:10).
3. Profanity Opens the Door to Anger and Rage
Cursing rarely exists without fits of rage. Paul instructs:
“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you” (Ephesians 4:31).
Profanity is often verbalized in rage.
4. Profanity Damages the Testimony of Christ
A Christian who curses ruins their witness. They cannot represent a Holy God while speaking like the world. Jesus calls us to be the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). Darkness cannot shine.
The Church’s Silent Compromise
Sadly, many modern churches have grown silent on this issue. In their pursuit of entertainment-driven services, cultural relevance, and attracting younger crowds, some clergy avoid preaching about the sinfulness of corrupt speech. In an effort to foster connection with their congregations and enhance relatability, some pastors have begun to incorporate mild profanity into their sermons. This choice is often seen as a way to break down barriers and make their messages feel more authentic. However, this practice raises concerns about the sanctity of the pulpit and the potential for diluting the moral teachings they are meant to uphold. Many view this as a tragic compromise of spiritual integrity, in which the desire for acceptance and relevance supersedes the call to uphold the values of respect and reverence in a place of worship.
Scripture warns:
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).
But instead of transforming the world, many churches are being transformed by it. It’s time for us, as the body of Christ, to take a stand and lead the change.
When pastors overlook the use of profanity within their congregations or, even more concerning, engage in unclean speech themselves, they not only dishonor Christ but also mislead their flock. This behavior can create an environment where foul language becomes normalized, eroding the moral fabric of the community. The Church must reclaim its prophetic voice and address such issues head-on. Church leaders must courageously remind believers that corrupt communication is akin to a spiritual cancer—insidious and harmful, capable of spreading and undermining faith. By fostering open dialogue about language and its impact on spiritual health, the Church can guide its members toward a more righteous, edifying way of communicating, ultimately fostering a deeper relationship with Christ and encouraging a culture of holiness and respect.
Why Jesus’ Example Must Become Our Standard
Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus exemplified a life characterized by truth, grace, purity, authority, and holiness. His teachings and interactions were devoid of obscenity, vulgarity, or coarse jesting, reflecting His divine nature and moral integrity. Even in moments of righteous indignation, such as when He overturned the tables of the money changers in the temple, He displayed a profound sense of justice while remaining sinless (Hebrews 4:15). His profound words resonated with the crowd, leaving them in awe, as they observed, “No man ever spoke like this Man!” (John 7:46).
Believers are called to emulate His example in their daily lives. As Scripture encourages, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5), signifying that Christians should adopt a mindset reflective of His humility and obedience. Additionally, the directive to “Walk just as He walked” (1 John 2:6) emphasizes the importance of aligning one’s actions and speech with His sanctified lifestyle.
If Jesus serves as our ultimate example of moral conduct, it stands to reason that profanity—being at odds with His pure and holy nature—should have no place in the speech of a devoted follower of Christ. Embracing His teachings calls us to elevate our language, reflecting the grace and reverence that characterize His character. In doing so, we affirm our commitment to embodying the values He exemplified. Embracing a language marked by grace and integrity not only honors Him but also serves as a powerful testimony to those around us.
A Call to Christians: Guard Your Tongue and Purify Your Speech
1. Commit Your Mouth to God
David prayed:
“Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips” (Psalm 141:3).
Ask God daily for purity of speech.
2. Replace Profanity with Praise
Paul gives a clear replacement principle:
“…but rather giving of thanks” (Ephesians 5:4).
Gratitude kills profanity at the root.
3. Repent of Unclean Speech
Confess it as sin, ask God’s forgiveness, and turn away from it.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us” (1 John 1:9).
4. Remove Media That Corrupts the Tongue
If music, movies, or social media normalize profanity, remove them.
“Bad company corrupts good character” (1 Corinthians 15:33, paraphrased NKJV context).
5. Memorize Scriptures on Speech
David again says:
“Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11).
6. Teach Children Early
Parents must be the first line of defense. Teach children that profanity is sin, not humor or self-expression.
“Train up a child in the way he should go” (Proverbs 22:6).
The world will discipline your children if you don’t.
Society Is on a Dangerous Path Without Repentance
When profanity becomes normal, society is already spiritually sick. Jesus warned that the last days would be characterized by lawlessness, disrespect, and moral collapse (Matthew 24:12). Paul said that people would be “blasphemers” and “without self-control” (2 Timothy 3:1–3).
Profanity, anger, and rage are symptoms of a more profound moral crisis—a generation disconnected from God.
Unless society repents, the future is grim. No nation in history has survived long after losing its sense of moral purity. When a culture celebrates vulgarity, it is already under judgment.
But repentance can bring revival.
The Hope for Revival Begins With the Church
If revival is to come, it must begin with the people of God. The Church must again become a place of holiness, purity, discipline, discipleship, accountability, and spiritual transformation.
The Church Must:
- Preach against corrupt speech without fear
- Disciple believers in godly character
- Warn the flock about cultural compromise
- Model purity of speech in leadership
- Encourage believers to shine as lights
- Create an atmosphere where unclean speech is confronted, not normalized
Peter writes:
“But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct” (1 Peter 1:15).
Holiness includes the mouth.
Conclusion: A Final Call to Purity
We are living in a profane generation—one that exalts vulgarity, celebrates irreverence, mocks purity, and glorifies unclean speech. The world may continue on this path, but the Christian must not.
Jesus said:
“Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’” (Matthew 5:37).
Clear, pure, godly speech reflects a heart transformed by Christ.
The increasing prevalence of profanity in modern society is not only unsettling and disturbing but also poses spiritual dangers that warrant serious consideration. This trend mirrors a culture that is rapidly drifting away from the godly values, principles, and good traditions men followed in the past. As casual swearing becomes more normalized in everyday conversations, media, and popular culture, it reflects a broader breakdown of respect and civility in communication. The use of harsh language can desensitize individuals to the impact of words, fostering a more aggressive, divisive atmosphere. This cultural shift raises concerns about society’s moral compass and the implications for future generations as they grapple with the erosion of fundamental values. But the people of God must stand firm. We must reject profanity, coarse jesting, vulgarity, rage-filled speech, and all unclean communication. We must honor God with our mouths, our hearts, and our lives.
May the Lord purify our lips, sanctify our hearts, and empower His Church to shine as a holy remnant in a corrupt generation.
