"Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips."
— Proverbs 4:24 (NIV)
Perverse speech isn't just about vulgar language—it's about any speech that distorts what is good, holy, or true. It includes crude jokes, sexual innuendos, twisted humor, and words that glorify sin rather than righteousness.
What Makes Speech Perverse?
Perverse speech is anything that misuses the tongue in ways that degrade purity or dishonor God. It's the opposite of speaking with grace, truth, and dignity. Perversity turns sacred things into punchlines and pollutes conversations that should be edifying.
Paul writes:
"Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving."
— Ephesians 5:4 (NIV)
The tongue was not created to entertain filth. When we normalize perverse talk, we desensitize our hearts and grieve the Holy Spirit.
Why It Matters
Perverse speech is not harmless. It shapes our thoughts, our desires, and our character. Jesus said:
"The mouth speaks what the heart is full of."
— Luke 6:45 (NIV)
If our mouths are filled with corruption, it reflects a heart that needs cleansing. Our words matter because they reveal what's inside—and they influence the world around us.
Reflection Questions
Do I laugh at or share jokes that dishonor God or mock holiness?
Have I excused crude language as "just being real" or "harmless fun"?
Do my words bring others closer to God—or push them toward worldliness?
Is my speech marked by reverence, purity, and gratitude?
Challenge: Let Your Words Be Holy
Train your tongue to reflect a heart submitted to God. Speak words that build up, not tear down. Replace crude jokes with words of life. Choose reverence over relevance. Don't sacrifice holiness for a laugh.
"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt..."
— Colossians 4:6 (NIV)
Prayer of Cleansing
"Father, forgive me for any corrupt speech that has come from my mouth. Cleanse my heart, for out of the overflow of my heart my mouth speaks. Help me speak what is pure, holy, and honoring to You. Let no unwholesome talk flow from my lips—only what builds others up. May my words reflect Your presence in my life. In Jesus' name, Amen."