Does God overlook our bad language?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: Does God overlook our bad language? People say that there’s bad language in the Bible because the Prophet Jeremiah cursed the day he was born. I’m not sure that’s the same thing or not, but our society is out of control when it comes to using curse words like commas. – B.L.
A: One of the definitions of the word curse is “a solemn utterance” intended to inflict harm or a punishment. Mankind has indeed experienced the loss of dignity, and there perhaps is no better example than in the use of language. Four-letter words in movies, on television, social media, news, and comedy routines have infiltrated everyday life, reaching preschool – and perhaps younger – children. This isn’t new of course, but there’s a more concerted effort to beat into people’s brains repetitive cursings. Whether cursing, smearing the good name of another, or referring irreverently to God and Scriptures, all of it is considered corrupt speech. These behaviors can brainwash the human mind.
Decades ago, most people wondered what impact raw-language culture would have on youth. Now we know. Song lyrics are no longer about love and kindness but obscenities. Society today seems “unshockable,” which in itself is shocking. The Bible poses the question: “Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? … Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh” (James 3:11-12, NKJV).
Whatever is unlike Christ in conduct, speech, or disposition grieves the Spirit of God. Each of us has a tongue and a voice. These instruments of speech can be used destructively or employed constructively. We must guard our tongues and use it for good instead of evil. Even a harsh word cannot be taken back; no apology can fully repair its damage.
Our speech is to be clean, pure, and wholesome. May we be able to say with the Prophet Samuel: “[God’s] word was on my tongue” (2 Samuel 23:2, NKJV).
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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
©2026 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(c)2026 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
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