No. It is not okay for Christ-followers to use foul language.
Now, some people may ask, “But, wait…what about that time when Paul used the Greek word for dung?”
Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ (Philippians 3:8)
Isn’t that the same thing as using a certain curse word for dung?
Nice try… but no.
Elsewhere, in Ephesians 4:29, Paul gives a very clear instruction on how Christians should guard their words:
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
So, for the Christian, our words are not to tear down, but build up. We should always speak grace to others.
Think about what you communicate when you curse: By using the harshest of words to describe a person or a situation, you are actually cursing God! A person is made in the image of God, and you would curse that image?
The Bible says to be thankful and rejoice in all circumstances.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for You. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
And you would tell God that His way is not good enough?
Will outsiders believe you when you say that you trust God’s way, and then swear when things don’t go your way; or when you say you love others and then curse them?
James 3:8-10 tells us:
The tongue is a restless evil full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.
Paul said to:
…Put away obscene talk from your mouth. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer each person. (Colossians 3:8, 4:5-6)
Additionally, James said in James 1:26,
If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue… this person’s religion is worthless.
In other words, if a person can’t control his words – even when he is alone – his religion has no worth at all. The Lord HATES perverted speech.
The fear of the Lord is the hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate! (Proverbs 8:13)
Jesus said:
“Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34)
So, we should pray as David prayed in Psalm 19:4,
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer!”