On vulgarity and insults
Insults and vulgarity are closely associated with sinful anger, but they are part of a more permissive and trivialized dynamic, often tolerated in everyday life. These expressions manifest themselves in a variety of situations, whether they are marked by a strong emotional charge, such as during an
argument, or in more ordinary contexts, where they are used
to express frustration, contempt or annoyance. Their presence, whether in thought, imagination or verbal discourse, is not only an offense to others, but also an attack on the spiritual integrity of the one who utters them.
Verbal insults hurt deeply because they touch a person’s dignity.
They are often motivated by anger or contempt, but their impact goes far beyond the momentary emotion. Scripture warns against using offensive words:
Matthew 5:22 “ Whoever says to his brother, ‘You fool,’ will be in danger of hell fire. »
These words, whether spoken in anger or thoughtfully, inflict emotional wounds and undermine the foundations of peace and love between individuals.
They also violate the commandment to love one’s neighbor as oneself, because they breed contempt and division.
Vulgarity, although sometimes less aggressive than insults, is also a reflection of a person’s inner state. These coarse words,often used out of habit or in moments of agitation, reflect a lack of self-control and a lack of respect for others and oneself.
Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:29, “ Let no corrupting word proceed out of your mouth, but only good words for edifying and for imparting grace to those who hear them .
Vulgar language does not build anything positive; it demeans, dishonors, and pollutes communication, even when used without malicious intent. Insults and vulgarity are not limited to spoken words. They often begin in the heart and mind, as offensive thoughts or imaginations. These thoughts, though
unspoken, reveal an inner disposition toward anger, contempt,
or pride.
As Jesus taught, sin begins in the heart: Luke 6:45 “ Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks .”
Even unverbalized insults and vulgarities in mind are spiritual offenses, because they feed a state of mind contrary to the Christian virtue of patience, kindness and self-control.
Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; whoever loves it will eat its fruit.
These words break inner harmony and fuel destructive behaviors, reinforcing attitudes of anger, contempt, and disrespect. They also deprive the one who uses them of divine grace, because they oppose the light of God to the
darkness of sin.
Paul exhorts in Colossians 3:8:
“ But now, put all these things aside: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, and filthy talk from your mouth”
The Christian is therefore called to a language that is pure, edifying and filled with respect, both towards others and towards himself.
Insults and vulgarity, whether uttered in anger or used in a trivial manner, are manifestations of sin that hurt, divide, and alienate from God. They reveal a lack of self-control and respect for human dignity. By cultivating edifying words and a kind spirit, the believer can overcome these habits and live in
accordance with the call to love one’s neighbor and glorify God in every word spoken.
Matthew 12:37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.