Expert: Phillip Senn - 11/3/2004

Question
Is it a sin to use profanity, such as "shit" "damn" "bitch" and so forth

Answer
"But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. "Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh." (James 3:8-12)

"Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you  of salvation, and that of God." (Philippians 1:27-28)

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever  things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever  things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever  things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (Philippians 4:8)

As you can see from these scriptural passages, there is much in the Word of God concerning our speech, our conduct, and our thoughts. The Lord Jesus said, "But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the  man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a   man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man."

Notice He indicates that evil thoughts (which come from the heart) come forth from a man's mouth. Anyone that has evil thoughts in their heart will have those evil thoughts come forth from their mouth. But we should think on (meditate in our hearts) the things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely and of good report. When we do that faithfully, we will find that not only our tongue will be doing better, but also our life. It is then that men "may see your good   works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

Anything that is not of faith is sin. If what is in our heart is not directed by faith, then we cannot please God..."For without faith, it is impossible to please God"

Some words similar to what you questioned have been used in Biblical texts. However, the usage of them was such that it wasn't "cursing".

If we use terminology that can be construed as something "unholy", it would be a sin, based upon the Scriptures I have posted.

I hope this has answered your question. Please rate this answer at allexperts.com. This will let me know how I am doing, and will encourage me to work on areas of weakness.

With Love in Christ,
Phillip Senn