It’s a question that we do not consider every day:
Is it wrong for Christians to use profanity?
I’ve been wrestling with this question over the last few days, largely because I’ve been watching a sports documentary. Athletes in America are like modern-day gladiators. They lay everything on the line once they enter the arena. Some win, some lose, and some even bleed.
Many of these athletes—some of whom I was watching in this documentary—openly profess a faith in Christ.
These athletes pray before their games, they thank God after home runs and touchdowns, and yet, when the stakes are the highest, the four-letter words still fly with abandon.
They cuss like sailors.
As I watched this documentary unfold before me, I felt a noticeable disconnect in my spirit. It made me begin to wonder: What does the Bible actually say about our words, tongues, and speech?
Quite a bit, as it turns out.
Lessons from History: A Word From George Washington
Before we dive into the biblical argument, I first want to share a story from history—one that comes from the pen of General George Washington.
On August 3, 1776, Washington wrote this to the Colonial Army:
“The General is sorry to be informed that the foolish, and wicked practice, of profane cursing and swearing (a Vice heretofore little known in an American army) is growing into fashion; he hopes the officers will, by example, as well as influence, endeavor to check it, and that both they, and the men will reflect, that we can have little hopes of the blessing of Heaven on our Arms, if we insult it by our impiety, and folly; added to this, it is a vice so mean and low, without any temptation, that every man of sense, and character, detests and despises it.”
Think about that for a moment. George Washington—often referred to as the father of our nation—took the time to rebuke his soldiers for swearing. In this specific letter, he did not write to instill great courage, nor to push his men to greatness, but rather, he wrote to address their filthy language.
Washington reminded them that the blessing of heaven would not rest on them if they continued to speak in profanities.
He understood that words mattered.
He eventually won the war.
Is it any wonder that Washington was known as “the bulletproof president”? He is famous for being shot off of horses and finding bullet holes in his uniforms, yet not of those bullets had ever drawn blood.
Did he just get lucky, or did George Washington have Heaven on his side?
If we fast-forward to today, the same question looms over our modern-day athletes: How would Washington’s words resonate with them?
Scripture echoes the same warning: the one who speaks with a lewd tongue walks a dangerous path (Proverbs 6:12). Every idle word carries weight. Jesus Himself said we will have to give an account for every word we speak in this life, whether those words were idle or intentional (Matthew 12:36).
Two Questions to Consider
You may not be playing in the Super Bowl, World Series, or Wimbledon this week, but if cussing has crept into your vocabulary, here are two questions you might want to consider:
- What would George Washington say if he observed your speech? Would he approve of your words, or would he write you a letter of rebuke?
- What will God say about your speech? When you stand before Him, when He looks at your life and the words you’ve spoken, how will your speech measure up to His standard?
The challenge of taming our tongues is not just about following rules, it’s about letting our words heal, encourage, and reflect the heart of Jesus. Let our tongues be a source of life rather than harm. Let us speak in a way that builds others up, not tears ourselves down.
Words matter, always.
The General above is watching.
Blessings,
