Cursing tongues really bother me, especially when coming out of the mouths of those of us who purport to be followers of Jesus Christ. Whether its the case of outright curses and foul language or of euphemisms, both bother me.
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ exhorts,
"Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be" (James 8:10 NIV).
I realize that a person may have just become a new believer in Jesus Christ, so I must exercise grace towards such a person and not be too judgemental. However, whether we are newborn believers or 'old hats' in the Kingdom of God, we need to review our vocabulary and make it more pure. Don't use the Lord's name in vain. His name is holy and needs to be revered.
Paul instructs us in Ephesians 4:29 (ESV),
"Let no corrupt talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."
We can apply to the Holy Spirit indwelling us, to make us mindful of our words, convict us of the curses and corrupt language and help us to not let any of it come out of our mouths. Once again, to cleanse and purify our thoughts with the Word of God, confession to the Lord of what we have already spoken, repentance - that turning away from it, and speak instead, the kind and gracious words of blessing.
Ingrained habits of thought and speech can be purified by willing hearts. Ask yourself, who do you want to be in charge of your tongue? Yourself or the Lord?
I know within myself when a situation heats up, I can surpize myself by what I really want to say. But if I make a decided choice and ask the Lord to help me rein in my thoughts and tongue, He does.
He does pull back on the reins but I still choose to say, or not to say, curses verbally or even in my thoughts. I need to cut the curses off - nipping them in the bud. This has been my experience.
At times the split second choice has been to speak it anyway. It hurts not just myself but the hearers too. Once the words escape, they cannot be caught or cancelled.
I hang my head in shame. But as a child of God, I have recourse in confession to the Lord, with a truely contrite, repentant heart. He forgives and purifies every stain upon my soul from that sin (see 1 John 1:9).
Hurt and damage to others has been done though. Sincere apologies and seeking for forgiveness from those hurt needs to be sought where possible. One never knows or realizes the full extent of heart wounding done by the curses. Speak blessing over those you do know of. Ask the Lord to heal them and those you are unaware of. He's in the business of making all things beautiful in His time; even me...even you.
Let's have sincere hearts to think and speak blessings. I believe this is what Jesus would have us do.
Lord Jesus, I'm sorry for all the times over the many years of my life I have cursed people and have had curse-like thoughts against the many people who have been in my life. I take this opportunity to say 'sorry' and to cut the curses. I don't want to do this in my speech or thoughts. Purify my heart Lord. Search my heart so I can purge it of all that which does not glorify You. Tame my tongue. Heal all those countless people I've injured with my curses and/or unwholesome words. You know who they are.
As Deborah Smith Pegues avows in her book 30 Days To Taming YOUR Tongue, I too want to make the same statement. Lord help me so that...
"Cursing does not proceed out of my mouth. Today I give [Your Father, God,] full charge of my tongue. By His grace I will only speak words that will bring honor to His Name."
And to Your name too, Lord Jesus.
So help me. I say and ask this in Your precious name Lord Jesus. Amen.
~ ERC June 2025 ~
Based on Ephesians 4:29 ESV. Also, Deborah Smith Pegues' book, 30 Days To Taming YOUR Tongue, Day 22 - The Cursing Tongue.
Sing, Wonderful Words of Life, along with Best Hymns.
Memorize: Ephesians 4:29.
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