Aren’t curse words of human origin?
Question:
I understand the Bible commands us to "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers" (Ephesians 4:29). I understand the Bible says, "bless and do not curse" (Romans 12:14). I understand the passage of James 3:1-12.
If you think for a moment, the Bible NEVER sets out a list of curse words. How do we know which words are considered curse words? The curse words we use today are ALL human-derived. Man has MADE these curse words. The words we use today were not developed when the Bible was written. How do we know whether or not these human-derived words are curse words? "Playground" could be a curse word if I made it one. "Door" could be a curse word if I made it one. Do you see my point?
I find it odd that two words that we consider curse words are in the Bible (II Kings 18:27; Matthew 21:2).
Please provide book, chapter, and verse on these things.
Answer:
In which language would you like this list of words? In which era, since terms change constantly? No, the Bible doesn't provide a list of words because languages change. Instead, God teaches us why certain word selections are good and others are bad. I wrote an article many years ago titled, "Careful What You Say," which breaks down the reasons why some words are appropriate and others are not. It isn't what words are being used, but what those words mean which makes them inappropriate.
