Topical Encyclopedia
Profane speech, often referred to as unwholesome or corrupt communication, is a topic addressed throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of purity in language and the impact of words on both the speaker and the listener. The Bible consistently encourages believers to use their speech to edify and build up others, reflecting the character of Christ in their communication.
Biblical Warnings Against Profane SpeechThe Bible explicitly warns against the use of profane speech, highlighting its destructive nature. In
Ephesians 4:29, the Apostle Paul instructs, "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen." This verse underscores the importance of using words that are beneficial and uplifting, rather than harmful or degrading.
Similarly, in
Colossians 3:8, Paul admonishes believers to rid themselves of "anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips." This passage associates profane speech with other sinful behaviors, suggesting that such language is inconsistent with the new life in Christ.
The Power of WordsThe Bible acknowledges the profound power of words, both for good and for harm.
Proverbs 18:21 states, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." This proverb highlights the significant impact that speech can have, capable of bringing either life or destruction.
James 3:6 further elaborates on the potential harm of the tongue, describing it as "a fire, a world of unrighteousness." James warns that the tongue can corrupt the whole body and set the course of one's life on fire, emphasizing the need for self-control and wisdom in speech.
Speech Reflecting the HeartThe Bible teaches that speech is a reflection of the heart's condition. In
Matthew 12:34, Jesus declares, "For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks." This statement indicates that profane speech often reveals deeper issues within the heart, such as bitterness, anger, or a lack of reverence for God.
Believers are called to cultivate a heart that honors God, which will naturally result in speech that is pure and edifying.
Psalm 19:14 offers a prayerful aspiration: "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer."
Encouragement for Godly SpeechThe Bible encourages believers to use their speech to glorify God and bless others. In
Philippians 4:8, Paul advises, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things." By focusing on virtuous and praiseworthy thoughts, believers can ensure that their speech aligns with these values.
Furthermore,
Colossians 4:6 instructs, "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." This verse highlights the importance of grace-filled communication, which is both wise and considerate.
ConclusionWhile the Bible does not provide an exhaustive list of prohibited words or phrases, it offers clear principles regarding the nature of speech that honors God. Believers are called to avoid profane speech and instead use their words to reflect the love and truth of Christ, building up others and glorifying God in all they say.
Topical Bible Verses
Colossians 3:8But now you also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
Topicalbible.orgEphesians 4:29
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace to the hearers.
Topicalbible.org
Leviticus 19:12
And you shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shall you profane the name of your God: I am the LORD.
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Greek
953. bebeloo -- toprofane... to
profane. Part of
Speech: Verb Transliteration: bebeloo Phonetic Spelling:
(beb-ay-lo'-o) Short Definition: I
profane Definition: I
profane, pollute, violate.
...952. bebelos -- permitted to be trodden, by impl. unhallowed
... unhallowed. Part ofSpeech: Adjective Transliteration: bebelos Phonetic Spelling:
(beb'-ay-los) Short Definition:profane, secular, unspiritual, godless...
2839. koinos -- common
... common. Part ofSpeech: Adjective Transliteration: koinos Phonetic Spelling:
(koy-nos... Definition: (a) common, shared, (b) Hebraistic use:profane; dirty, unclean...
2840. koinoo -- to make common
... to make common. Part ofSpeech: Verb Transliteration: koinoo Phonetic Spelling... From
koinos; to make (or consider)profane (ceremonially) -- call common, defile...
462. anosios -- unholy
... Part ofSpeech: Adjective Transliteration: anosios Phonetic Spelling: (an-os'-ee-
os) Short Definition: regarding nothing as holy Definition: unholy,profane....
Library
Excursus on the Heresies Condemned in Canon I.
... His real sympathies were with the Anomoeans (see Tillemont, M??moires, vi., 423,
and compare hisprofane speech recorded by Socrates, HE, ii., 43): but, as a...
The Heinous Sin ofProfane Cursing and Swearing
... it is the greatest abuse of that noble faculty ofspeech, whereby we are... instancing
four particulars, which highly aggravate the crime ofprofane swearing, and...
A Treatise to Prove that no one Can Harm the Man who Does not...
... although he greatly desired them: and yet none of these things injured him, he did
not give vent to a bitter word, he did not utter aprofane speech; but like...
The Method which Origen Used in his Theological and Metaphysical...
... piety, as they think them to be, are careful not to touch anything that isprofane....
hand, the mind of man is withal a thing easily deceived byspeech, and very...
On Filthy Speaking.
... Christian who reads this passage learn to abhor all freedom ofspeech of this... can
Christians frequent theatrical shows, and listen to lewd andprofane plays?]....
To Act Well of Greater Consequence than to Speak Well.
... Pindar the Boeotian, [1913] who writes, "Divulge not before all the ancientspeech....
profit, but to the subverting of the hearers, but to shunprofane and vain...
Profanations of Good and Truth
... as an end, and the holy things of heaven and the church as means, they counterfeit
angels of light in face, gesture, andspeech, and thusprofane holy things....
Diess Sind Die Heil'Gen Zehn Gebot'. That Man a Godly Life Might...
... 3. By idle word andspeech profane Take not my holy name in vain; And praise not
aught as good and true But what God doth say and do. Have mercy, Lord....
That the Christian Miracles are not Recited, or Appealed To, by...
... falls now and then into the language and the mode ofspeech which the... to Vigilantius,
"according to the manner of the Gentiles and theprofane, of Porphyry and...
The Knowledge which Comes through Faith the Surest of All.
... There are body and soul, the five senses,speech, the power of reproduction"the... keep
that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding theprofane and vain...
Resources
What is sadism? What is a sadist? | GotQuestions.orgDoes the Bible teach that Sophia is the goddess of wisdom? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to be godless? | GotQuestions.orgProfane: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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