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What does the Bible say about cursing?

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The Bible teaches that cursing, whether through profane speech, misuse of God’s name, or hateful words toward others, is sinful and contrary to the new life Christ gives. Exodus 20:7 forbids taking the Lord’s name in vain, while Ephesians 4:29, Ephesians 5:4, and Colossians 3:8 call believers away from corrupt, obscene, and abusive speech. James 3:8-10 warns against using the same tongue to bless God and curse people made in his image. Instead, Christians are to bless those who oppose them, as Luke 6:28 and Romans 12:14 teach, and to speak with gracious, fitting words (Colossians 4:6). Because words flow from the heart, Matthew 15:18-20 calls us to repentance and renewed hearts through Christ.

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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Ephesians 4:29

    Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for building up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear.

  • Ephesians 5:4

    nor filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not appropriate; but rather giving of thanks.

  • James 1:26

    If anyone among you thinks himself to be religious while he doesn't bridle his tongue, but deceives his heart, this man's religion is worthless.

  • James 3:8-10

    [8] But nobody can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. [9] With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who are made in the image of God. [10] Out of the same mouth comes forth blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.

  • Colossians 3:8

    but now you also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and shameful speaking out of your mouth.

  • Luke 6:28

    bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you.

  • Colossians 4:6

    Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

  • Romans 12:14

    Bless those who persecute you; bless, and don't curse.

  • Exodus 20:7

    "You shall not take the name of Yahweh your God in vain, for Yahweh will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.

  • Matthew 15:18-20

    [18] But the things which proceed out of the mouth come out of the heart, and they defile the man. [19] For out of the heart come forth evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual sins, thefts, false testimony, and blasphemies. [20] These are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashed hands doesn't defile the man."

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