What does the Bible say about cursing?

In Romans 3 we have God's indictment of man, presented as a string of quotations from the Prophets and the Psalms. Among them we find these terrible words from Psalm 10: "Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness." If the heart did not contain these evils the mouth could never give them out. So here we have an insight into the human heart. Notice too that this awful quotation comes in the apostle's description of religious Jews, not in his account of the nations outside. It is possible, then, to sing God's praises on Sunday and be guilty of cursing and bitterness towards men on Monday.

The great principle is plain beyond all question: no inconsistency could be worse than to use the tongue now in blessing the Supreme, now in cursing men who are made in God's likeness. We are the objects of His loving purposes, born of Him by the word of truth, and we should be the last to curse anyone, since we are blessed only through mercy. It is not that fallen men have any moral worth of their own, as we above all should know from our own humbling experience. So we at least should never forget that they were brought into being in God's likeness.

"Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them." The apostle now brings the Christian into an entirely new line of practical Christianity. His whole life and ways are to be marked by blessing, not cursing. This command carries us far beyond the power of nature. To have this spirit, and to practise this command, is to be a heaven-born child of God.

David's response is one that every believer should take deeply to heart. He refuses the suggestion outright, because he sees beyond Shimei and realises that God had told him to curse David. Of course Shimei's bitter attitude did not have God's approval, but God had not stopped him from cursing, and David knew he deserved cursing, even though Shimei was going beyond what was even true.

As sin with the tongue is condemned throughout, so here in particular the lack of reverence. The oaths in question refer to created things rather than to God, and they may look like care for His name by putting other forms in its place; but who gives men the right to use anything of the sort in daily conversation? He is the Judge, who has assured us that "on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak"; "for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."

Respect for the authorities set over us is also commanded: "You shall not revile God, nor curse a ruler of your people." The word "gods" here is clearly used of authorities, or judges. The apostle Paul quotes this scripture when standing before Ananias and the council. So the path of God's people, as far as kings, governors and magistrates are concerned, is extremely simple. To every authority, of whatever kind, they owe respect and obedience as long as it does not clash with what is due to God.

Is swearing not terrible even in this world? It is linked with lying. Why does that young man swear? He knows his word will not be trusted without a profane oath. James says, "But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your yes be yes and your no be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation." Do you ask, what condemnation? The very same as the liar, the thief, the murderer, the adulterer… Oh, sin-convicted swearer, or liar, murderer, or adulterer, there is mercy yet — mercy yet for you.