Complete Bible Study Guide
What Does the Bible Say About Using Bad Language?
15 Scripture references with full text and commentary
Understanding Using Bad Language in the Bible
Explore what the Bible says about using bad language. This collection of 15 key Scripture passages reveals God's wisdom and guidance on this important theme.
Top 10 Verses About Using Bad Language
- 1Exodus 20:7
“Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.”
KJV - 2
- 3Proverbs 4:24
“Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. a froward: Heb. frowardness of mouth and perverseness of lips”
KJV - 4Proverbs 10:11
“The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.”
KJV - 5Proverbs 10:18
“He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.”
KJV - 6Proverbs 19:1
“Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.”
KJV - 7
- 8Proverbs 26:20
“Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. Where no: Heb. Without wood talebearer: or, whisperer ceaseth: Heb. is silent”
KJV - 9Matthew 12:36
“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.”
KJV - 10Matthew 15:11
“Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.”
KJV
Old Testament: What Does the Bible Say About Using Bad Language? (8 Verses)
“Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.”
“What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?”
“Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. a froward: Heb. frowardness of mouth and perverseness of lips”
“The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.”
“He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.”
“Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.”
“Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.”
“Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. Where no: Heb. Without wood talebearer: or, whisperer ceaseth: Heb. is silent”
New Testament: What Does the Bible Say About Using Bad Language? (7 Verses)
“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.”
“Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.”
“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. to: or, to edify profitably”
“Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.”
“But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.”
“Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”
“My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. condemnation: or, judgment”
How to Study What the Bible Says About Using Bad Language
- 1
Begin by reading through every verse listed on this page, noting which ones speak most directly to your current season of life. Write them down and revisit them throughout the week.
- 2
Use a concordance or the search tools on this site to find additional passages about using bad language. Look for patterns across both the Old and New Testaments to gain a complete picture of what God reveals on this subject.
- 3
Study the context of each verse. Read the surrounding chapter to understand who was speaking, who the audience was, and what circumstances prompted the passage. Context prevents misapplication.
- 4
Memorise at least one key verse about using bad language and meditate on it daily. Scripture memory transforms thinking and equips you to apply God's Word in real-time situations.
Practical Application
Studying what the Bible says about using bad language is only the beginning. Scripture is meant to be lived out in daily obedience and faith. Here are practical steps to apply these truths:
Identify one area of your life where the biblical teaching on using bad language needs to be applied more consistently. Write a specific, actionable step you can take this week.
Share what you have learned about using bad language with a fellow believer or in a small group setting. Teaching others solidifies your own understanding and encourages mutual growth.
Pray through the key verses about using bad language, asking God to reveal how His Word applies to your relationships, decisions, and daily habits.
How Well Do You Know What the Bible Says About Using Bad Language?
You have studied 15 verses about using bad language. Now test your knowledge with chapter-by-chapter quizzes covering the books where these verses appear.