The Bible teaches that our words and actions should be characterized by purity and respect, avoiding coarse or offensive language. In Ephesians, believers are instructed to use their words to edify and bless others, rather than to tear them down, as seen in Ephesians 4:29 and Ephesians 5:4. James 1:26 warns that those who do not control their tongues are deceiving themselves about their spiritual condition. The apostle Paul also lists filthy talk as a work of the flesh in Galatians 5:19-21, while Proverbs 29:20 cautions against the dangers of speaking rashly.
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Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.
Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving.
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.
The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Open your mouth for those with no voice, for the cause of all the dispossessed. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the poor and needy.
The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be! Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree grow olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.