“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1
Bible Verses About Controlling Your Tongue
Proverbs 18:21 – The power of the tongue is immense, capable of creating or destroying.
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” – Proverbs 18:21
James 1:19 – Listening first can lead to a wiser approach in communication.
“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” – James 1:19
Proverbs 21:23 – Protecting oneself from harm often starts with the words we choose.
“Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.” – Proverbs 21:23
Proverbs 29:20 – Quick responses can often lead to misunderstandings.
“Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them.” – Proverbs 29:20
Proverbs 10:19 – Sometimes silence can be the best response.
“Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.” – Proverbs 10:19
Ephesians 4:29 – Our words should always aim to uplift rather than tear down.
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up.” – Ephesians 4:29
Colossians 4:6 – Speaking with grace can be transformative.
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” – Colossians 4:6
James 3:5 – A small spark can cause great devastation.
“Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark!” – James 3:5
Proverbs 13:3 – Keeping silent can safeguard our peace.
“Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.” – Proverbs 13:3
Proverbs 15:4 – How we communicate can reflect our inner thoughts and intentions.
“The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.” – Proverbs 15:4
Psalm 141:3 – Seeking divine help in controlling our speech is important.
“Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” – Psalm 141:3
Proverbs 25:11 – Timely words can have great value.
“Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a ruling rightly given.” – Proverbs 25:11
Matthew 12:36-37 – We will be held accountable for our words.
“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” – Matthew 12:36-37
1 Peter 3:10 – Speaking well leads to a good life.
“For whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.” – 1 Peter 3:10
Proverbs 16:24 – Wise words can be the healing touch in tough times.
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” – Proverbs 16:24
James 3:9 – The tongue can be a double-edged sword.
“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness.” – James 3:9
Proverbs 12:18 – Kind words foster harmony, while harsh words cause division.
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” – Proverbs 12:18
Proverbs 20:19 – Discretion in speech protects our integrity.
“A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.” – Proverbs 20:19
1 Corinthians 13:1 – Love should always guide our conversations.
“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” – 1 Corinthians 13:1
Hebrews 10:24-25 – Encouraging words strengthen our bonds with each other.
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
Philippians 4:8 – Focus on the positive can cultivate peace.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8
Proverbs 27:5 – Honest feedback is an important part of growth.
“Better is open rebuke than hidden love.” – Proverbs 27:5
Proverbs 19:1 – Integrity in our speech holds great value.
“Better a poor man whose walk is blameless than a fool whose lips are perverse.” – Proverbs 19:1
Proverbs 22:11 – Kindness and purity of heart make for wise speech.
“One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend.” – Proverbs 22:11
Psalm 19:14 – A prayer for our words and thoughts is always wise.
“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” – Psalm 19:14
Isaiah 50:4 – Our words can be a source of comfort and hope.
“The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary.” – Isaiah 50:4
Ecclesiastes 3:7 – There is a time for everything, including when to speak.
“A time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak.” – Ecclesiastes 3:7
John 1:14 – Our words should reflect grace and truth.
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” – John 1:14
Luke 6:45 – Our speech flows from what is in our hearts.
“A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart.” – Luke 6:45
Final Thoughts
Controlling our tongue is essential in our lives as it can build or destroy relationships. From these verses, we learn that our words hold immense power. They can either encourage others or cause harm. It’s important for us to be aware of what we say and how we say it. When we approach communication with love and grace, we foster better connections.
It’s also a reminder that taking a moment to think before speaking can prevent misunderstandings and promote harmony. Let’s strive to speak kindness and truth, ensuring that our words reflect the love of Christ.
If you’re interested in exploring more about the power of communication, check out the Bible verses about communication with others. There are many topics out there that can help enrich our understanding of how we relate to others and grow in faith.