Put Off Filthy Communication (5/4/2025)

A study of Colossians 3:8—Part 4

“But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth” (Colossians 3:8).

“Filthy language” is a broad, inclusive expression that covers obscene and filthy talk for the purpose of stimulating lusts or passions as well as foul speaking and coarse insults either toward God, toward individuals, or about situations in life.

So, this prohibition would include vulgarity, coarse references to human functions, actual cursing in which God’s name is used negatively, and even euphemisms that are milder forms of cursing—that is, they are words or expressions that are used as substitutes for hard-core cursing but still amount to taking God’s name in vain. This verse and others negate the use of such language.

Paul says all expressions in this category are to be “put…out of your mouth,” meaning a child of God is not to allow such words to pass from his or her lips. Such language makes all Christians uncomfortable and shows disrespect to God and our fellows.

Christians must maintain an awareness of their relationship with God and of how their actions and words speak volumes to others about whether or not that relationship is sincere or feigned.