No Such Thing as Bad Words

In this work Douglas Wilson examines biblical categories of speech and defends occasions for forceful, even coarse, prophetic language while also urging discipline of the tongue.

He distinguishes obscenity, cursing, vulgarity, and swearing, traces their treatment in Scripture, and proposes principles for discerning permissible versus sinful speech.

Wilson frames his argument against modern secular pieties and cultural euphemisms, arguing that blunt language can sometimes expose and condemn vice.

He combines theological exegesis, cultural critique, and practical pastoral guidance about speech in public and private life.

The book aims to recover a robust, situationally wise Christian rhetoric that is neither crass nor cowardly.