Today, we will talk about bible verses about bad language in the KJV. Many Christians may not realize the profound impact our words have on those around us. The Bible teaches us about the significance of our speech and how it reflects our hearts. Using kind and uplifting language can strengthen our relationships and create an environment filled with love, while bad language can hurt and discourage. As we dive into these verses, let’s focus on how we can choose our words wisely and represent our faith positively. Join me in exploring what the Scriptures say about bad language, and let’s be inspired to speak in ways that honor God.
Bible Verses About Bad Language KJV
The Power of Words
Our words carry weight. In the Bible, we are consistently reminded that what we say influences not only ourselves but also those around us. It’s crucial for us to consider the impact of our speech and the responsibility we hold as individuals who claim to follow Christ. Speaking uplifting words can build others up, while negative language can tear down. We are given the opportunity to be seen as instruments of peace and joy, and choosing our words wisely helps us fulfill that calling. Let us remember the significance of our speech and strive to communicate in a way that reflects our faith in Christ.
Proverbs 18:21
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” – Proverbs 18:21
James 3:6
“And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.” – James 3:6
Matthew 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.” – Matthew 12:36
Ephesians 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 unto the hearers.” – Ephesians 4:29
Proverbs 10:19
“In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.” – Proverbs 10:19
Our Heart Reflects Our Speech
As we explore the idea of bad language, it becomes apparent that what we say often comes from our hearts. Jesus taught us that the things we speak are a reflection of our inner thoughts and feelings. When we allow negative emotions or bitterness into our hearts, our words can quickly change to match that negative state. On the other hand, when our hearts are filled with love and kindness, our speech will naturally produce words that uplift and encourage. We must consistently examine our hearts, allowing God to transform them so that our language reflects His goodness and grace.
Luke 6:45
“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.” – Luke 6:45
Matthew 15:18
“But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.” – Matthew 15:18
Psalms 19:14
“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” – Psalms 19:14
Proverbs 4:23
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” – Proverbs 4:23
Colossians 3:8
“But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.” – Colossians 3:8
The Call to Purity in Speech
As followers of Christ, we are called to maintain a sense of purity and integrity in all aspects of our lives, including our speech. The Bible encourages us to seek ways to refine our words, ensuring that we do not fall into the trap of using bad language. This means carefully considering our speech and striving to avoid anything that contradicts our faith. As we take this call seriously, we recognize that our words can have eternal effects, guiding others towards or away from God’s truth. Therefore, let us commit to using our language for His glory.
Ephesians 5:4
“Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.” – Ephesians 5:4
1 Peter 3:10
“For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile.” – 1 Peter 3:10
Titus 2:8
“Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.” – Titus 2:8
Matthew 5:37
“But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.” – Matthew 5:37
Proverbs 12:18
“There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.” – Proverbs 12:18
Setting an Example
Our words represent Christ to the world around us. As Christians, we have the tremendous privilege of being ambassadors for Jesus, and that includes the language we use. By using positive, encouraging speech, we can set a powerful example for others to follow. This means that we must be conscious of how we communicate in every situation, whether it’s at work, school, or within our own homes. When we choose to express ourselves in kindness and grace, we can influence those around us to do the same, contributing to a more compassionate world.
1 Timothy 4:12
“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” – 1 Timothy 4:12
Philippians 1:27
“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.” – Philippians 1:27
Titus 2:7
“In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity.” – Titus 2:7
Romans 14:19
“Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.” – Romans 14:19
2 Corinthians 5:20
“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” – 2 Corinthians 5:20
Building Each Other Up
One of our responsibilities as followers of Christ is to build each other up within our communities. The Bible encourages us to speak words of encouragement, love, and kindness toward one another. This builds a strong foundation for our relationships and strengthens the body of Christ. If we were to use bad language or make cutting comments, we would create division and strife rather than unity and peace. By paying attention to how we communicate, we can intentionally create a culture of upliftment that reflects Christ’s love towards one another. Let us strive to be instruments of encouragement in all our interactions!
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Romans 15:2
“Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.” – Romans 15:2
Proverbs 27:17
“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” – Proverbs 27:17
Ephesians 4:12
“For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” – Ephesians 4:12
Hebrews 10:24
“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:” – Hebrews 10:24
Guarding Our Conversations
Being mindful about our conversations is essential in maintaining a healthy relationship with God and with others. The Bible urges us to guard our speech, ensuring that we do not allow negativity, gossip, or harmful language to pollute our dialogue. By being on guard, we can avoid slipping into bad language or using words that tear others down. This task may not always be easy, especially in difficult situations, but we can rely on the Holy Spirit’s guidance to help us speak wisely and lovingly during tough times. Keeping a watchful eye on our conversations will help us remain faithful to God’s Word.
Proverbs 21:23
“Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.” – Proverbs 21:23
Proverbs 13:3
“He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.” – Proverbs 13:3
James 1:19
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:” – James 1:19
Proverbs 15:1
“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1
Colossians 4:6
“Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” – Colossians 4:6
The Consequences of Negative Speech
Negative language can have consequential effects that ripple through our lives and relationships. The Bible warns us about the dangers of using harmful words, as they can create division, anger, and resentment. When we speak poorly or allow our frustrations to manifest in our language, it not only harms those around us but also disturbs our own hearts. Recognizing the consequences of our speech should motivate us to change and focus on using our words to foster peace and kindness. With Christ, we can dedicate ourselves to breaking the cycle of negativity and cultivating a spirit of love in our communication.
Proverbs 6:16-19
“These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” – Proverbs 6:16-19
Galatians 5:15
“But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.” – Galatians 5:15
Proverbs 16:28
“A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.” – Proverbs 16:28
Psalms 34:13
“Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.” – Psalms 34:13
James 3:10
“Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.” – James 3:10
Seeking Forgiveness and Redemption
None of us are perfect, and we can all stumble when it comes to the words we use. The beauty of God’s grace is that we can seek forgiveness for our past mistakes with our speech and make the conscious effort to improve. The Bible provides hope for those who have fallen short in using bad language by calling us to repentance and offering redemption. God delights in our willingness to change and direct our conversations toward what is good and fruitful. Let’s lean into this grace, knowing that every day is an opportunity to start fresh and speak life into our situations and relationships.
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
Acts 3:19
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” – Acts 3:19
Isaiah 1:18
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” – Isaiah 1:18
Psalm 51:10
“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” – Psalm 51:10
Psalm 103:12
“As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” – Psalm 103:12
Final Thoughts
Scripture teaches us that our words matter greatly. As we navigated through the Bible verses about bad language, we discovered how powerful our speech can be in building up or tearing down. We are reminded that our hearts reflect our language, and it’s essential to guard our conversations carefully. Our role as ambassadors of Christ calls us to set a positive example and strive for purity in our speech.
We also explored the consequences of negative language and the beautiful promise of forgiveness and redemption when we fall short. Each day presents us with a fresh opportunity to choose our words carefully and embrace uplifting communication that glorifies God. Let us be intentional in our speech, using it to encourage, uplift, and reflect the character of Christ in our lives.
Ultimately, through these scriptures, we have learned the importance of walking in the light of God’s Word and using our language wisely. As we move forward, may we continually ask for God’s guidance to abate any use of bad language and instead cultivate a heart that speaks life and love.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4