Q&A: Curses
Curses
Question
Hello, I wanted to know whether there is a halakhic prohibition against cursing and using foul language. In addition, independently of the halakhic aspect, what is the Rabbi's opinion about cursing in general? (A question that occurred to me that could perhaps serve as a starting point for discussion: is cursing inherently a negative thing, or are curses viewed as negative because of social conceptions, even if they are not especially well reasoned, and a person who curses is therefore labeled as this kind of person or that kind of person, so it is worth avoiding? Meaning, is it not actually negative, but just not advisable for someone who wants to present himself in one way or another?) Thank you very much.
Answer
Hello. In Jewish law, “cursing” means doing so in God's name (“May Yosi strike Yosi”). There is no direct halakhic prohibition against foul language (there are indirect issues, such as “love your fellow as yourself,” desecration of God's name, “do not make yourselves detestable,” and so on), but it is an ugly and inappropriate way of speaking. Proper conduct precedes the Torah. And beyond that, what people think of you is also significant (“Whoever is pleasing to other people is pleasing to God”). Of course, in a place where there is something you need to do, one should not be embarrassed because of those who mock. But cursing is not an act of value, so there is certainly room to take public opinion into account.