Is Profanity Okay?

 In our modern culture profanity is common and considered normal.  Even some professing Christians regularly use bad language and act as if it is okay.  So is it all right to cuss?  For the truth about profanity we must turn to the Bible. 

(Ephesians 5:4)"Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving." (ESV)

Filthy talk, foolish talk, and crude joking are wrong and should be replaced with expressions of thanks to God.  

(Colossians 3:8)"But now you must put them all away:  anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth."  (ESV)

Here we see that obscene talk among other vices should be put away from your mouth. 

(Exodus 20:7)"You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain." (ESV) 

The worst form of profanity is taking the name of the Lord in vain.  The commandment forbids using God's name as a cuss word as well as using it in a careless or empty way.  

(Matthew 12:36)"I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak," (ESV)

People will be judged even for every careless word they speak.  The words spoken by a person show what is in the heart of that person (see also Luke 6:45).  

Profanity or being profane is the very opposite of being holy.  God is holy (see Isaiah 6:3, Revelation 4:8).  Therefore when someone is using profanity he is opposing God. Profanity is simply rebellion against God with your speech.  

(1 Peter 1:15-16)"but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, You shall be holy, for I am holy." (ESV)