“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.” – Matthew 12:36
Bible Verses About Controlling Your Words
The Power of Our Words
As we reflect on the power of our words, we recognize how they shape our reality and impact those around us. Our speech has the ability to uplift or tear down, to heal or to hurt. The Bible reminds us that we are made in the image of God, giving us the awesome responsibility to use our words wisely. Every word we speak carries weight, and we are called to use this gift to bless others and glorify God. By being mindful of our language, we choose to create an environment filled with encouragement and love. When we remember that our words reflect our hearts, we strive to speak truth and kindness in all situations.
James 3:5
“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 18:21
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” – Proverbs 18:21
Proverbs 12:18
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” – Proverbs 12:18
Proverbs 15:4
“The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.” – Proverbs 15:4
Colossians 4:6
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” – Colossians 4:6
The Importance of Listening
In addition to speaking, we must also cultivate the art of listening. Our willingness to listen can make our words more meaningful. The Bible teaches us that being quick to listen and slow to speak is a wise practice. When we truly listen, we show respect and care for those around us. It allows us to understand different perspectives, which leads to more thoughtful and compassionate replies. Therefore, listening is an essential part of controlling our words, as it fosters genuine connections and prevents misunderstanding. By doing so, we can express ourselves more clearly and with purpose, reinforcing the power of our communication.
James 1:19
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” – James 1:19
Proverbs 21:23
“Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.” – Proverbs 21:23
Proverbs 1:5
“Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.” – Proverbs 1:5
Proverbs 18:13
“To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.” – Proverbs 18:13
Proverbs 25:11
“Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a ruling rightly given.” – Proverbs 25:11
Avoiding Negative Speech
Controlling our words also means avoiding negative speech. Our language can sometimes become a source of negativity, whether through gossip, complaints, or harsh criticisms. The Bible encourages us to steer clear of such patterns and instead embrace a speech that uplifts and encourages others. By refraining from negative conversations, we foster a spirit of unity and love among those we interact with. As we intentionally choose positivity in our words, we create a nurturing environment where people can thrive. This not only leads to healthier relationships but also reflects our faith in God and His goodness in our lives.
Ephesians 4:29
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” – Ephesians 4:29
Proverbs 16:24
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” – Proverbs 16:24
Galatians 5:15
“If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.” – Galatians 5:15
Philippians 2:14
“Do everything without grumbling or arguing.” – Philippians 2:14
Proverbs 20:19
“A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.” – Proverbs 20:19
The Impact of Kindness
Being kind in our speech goes hand in hand with controlling our words. Kindness has the incredible ability to touch hearts and bring joy to our relationships. The Bible teaches us that our words can offer grace and love to others, and they can serve as vessels of encouragement and support. We can exhibit kindness in our daily interactions, from small compliments to words of comfort during difficult times. By choosing kindness, we manifest Christ-like love in our lives and contribute to an environment where hope flourishes. This practice of kindness in our conversations allows us to shine the light of Christ in a world that often needs it most.
1 Peter 3:9
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” – 1 Peter 3:9
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
Proverbs 31:26
“She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.” – Proverbs 31:26
Luke 6:31
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” – Luke 6:31
Colossians 3:8
“But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.” – Colossians 3:8
The Role of Prayer
In striving to control our words, prayer plays a pivotal role. Seeking God in prayer allows us to reflect on our speech and ask for His guidance and wisdom. The Holy Spirit equips us to respond with grace in challenging situations and reminds us to be slow to anger and quick to offer forgiveness. As we pray, we invite God to transform our hearts, making us more aware of the impact of our words. This connection with God empowers us to communicate effectively and lovingly, reinforcing the importance of our words and their influence on our relationships with others.
Psalm 141:3
“Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” – Psalm 141:3
1 Thessalonians 5:17
“Pray continually.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Philippians 4:6
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6
Matthew 7:7
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” – Matthew 7:7
John 14:14
“You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” – John 14:14
The Example of Jesus
Jesus is our ultimate example of how to control our words. Throughout His life, He used His speech to heal, encourage, and teach others. His words always carried a sense of truth and love that transformed lives. We can look to Jesus as our guide in our journey to control how we speak. By studying His teachings and actions, we learn the importance of speaking life and hope into every situation. His example inspires us to follow in His footsteps, allowing His light to shine through our words. As we seek to emulate Christ, we build a foundation for communication that reflects His love and grace.
Matthew 12:34
“For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” – Matthew 12:34
Mark 10:14
“When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.'” – Mark 10:14
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
Luke 4:22
“All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips.” – Luke 4:22
John 7:46
“No one ever spoke the way this man does.” – John 7:46
Final Thoughts
As we navigate the words we choose to share, it’s clear that they dress our intentions and reflect what fills our hearts. By focusing on the power of our words, the practice of active listening, the commitment to kindness, and the need to avoid negativity, we cultivate a positive environment where love can flourish. Prayer becomes our anchor, guiding us in how to communicate with wisdom and grace. Jesus models for us the perfect balance of truth and compassion, encouraging us to let our speech be a light to others.
Let’s remember that controlling our words is not simply a matter of quantity, but quality. Our speech holds the potential to bring life, hope, and encouragement to a world in need. Whether our conversations are with friends, family, or fresh acquaintances, let’s strive to let kindness and understanding lead our discussions. With each word, we can make a difference, reflecting the love of Jesus.
If you’re eager to dive deeper into the impact of our words, consider exploring topics about negative speaking and gossip. These areas offer additional wisdom as we seek to control our speech for the greater good.