Controlling what we say can be tough, but the Bible gives us guidance on how powerful and important our words are. From Proverbs to James, Scripture shows how words can build up or tear down. Let’s explore key Bible verses that teach us the value of holding our tongues.
Bible Verses About Holding Your Tongue
James 1:19 – Be quick to listen and slow to speak
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
Proverbs 13:3 – Guard your words to preserve your life
“Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.”
Proverbs 21:23 – Self-control over speech leads to safety
“Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.”
Ecclesiastes 5:2 – Approach God with reverence in your words
“Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.”
Proverbs 10:19 – The abundance of words brings trouble
“Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.”
Proverbs 15:1 – A gentle response can defuse anger
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Proverbs 18:21 – Words matter; they hold life and death
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
Colossians 4:6 – Speak graciously and season your words
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
Proverbs 26:20 – Unity and peace are achieved by controlling speech
“Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.”
Psalm 141:3 – Set a guard over your lips
“Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.”
Proverbs 17:28 – Keep silence to show wisdom
“Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.”
Ephesians 4:29 – Speak words that uplift rather than harm
“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.”
Proverbs 12:18 – Careless words can wound, but wise speak with love
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
Matthew 12:36 – Accountability for every careless word
“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.”
1 Peter 3:10 – Refrain from speaking deceitfully
“For whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.”
Proverbs 29:20 – Hasty words lead to folly
“Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them.”
Isaiah 53:7 – Emulate the silence of Christ
“He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.”
Titus 3:2 – Maintain good behavior in conversation
“To slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.”
Psalms 19:14 – Let your words be pleasing to God
“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
Proverbs 15:4 – A soothing tongue brings healing
“The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”
Matthew 15:11 – What comes out of the mouth reflects the heart
“What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth—that is what defiles them.”
Proverbs 30:32 – Pause before speaking
“If you play the fool and exalt yourself, or if you plan evil, clap your hand over your mouth!”
Proverbs 19:1 – Righteousness elevates worth over words
“Better the poor whose walk is blameless than a fool whose lips are perverse.”
Romans 12:14 – Bless others with your speech
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”
Proverbs 11:12 – The wise hold back their words
“Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.”
Job 27:4 – Integrity in speech is essential
“My lips will not say anything wicked, and my tongue will not utter lies.”
Philippians 4:8 – Focus your mind on positive qualities
“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.”
Proverbs 22:11 – A loving heart speaks kindness
“One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend.”
1 Timothy 4:12 – Lead by example in words and conduct
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
Psalm 34:13 – Control your tongue for a good life
“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.”
Proverbs 6:2 – Words can ensnare us
“If you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth.”
Proverbs 10:32 – Righteous speech brings joy
“The lips of the righteous know what finds favor, but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse.”
James 3:9-10 – The inconsistency of the tongue
“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Sister Love
What Does the Bible Say About Holding Your Tongue
The scriptures underscore the idea that our speech can bring either life or destruction, and thus, it is essential to exercise restraint and wisdom in what we say.
The Book of Proverbs, in particular, is rich with advice on this topic. It reminds us that “death and life are in the power of the tongue,” suggesting that our words hold an immense potential to influence others and ourselves, either positively or negatively. It’s a clear indication of the responsibility we bear when choosing our words.
James, the brother of Jesus, also speaks candidly about the danger of an unchecked tongue. Comparing the tongue to a small fire that can set an entire forest ablaze, James warns us about the potential for great harm if we do not control our speech. He even goes as far as to label the tongue as an unruly evil full of deadly poison, emphasizing the serious consequences of careless words.
In the Gospels, Jesus Himself teaches us about the importance of our words. He states, “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” This profound statement connects our speech to the condition of our hearts, urging us to cultivate inner purity and love, which will naturally reflect in our words.
Moreover, Ephesians implores us to speak only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, so that it may benefit those who listen. This directive compels us to consider the impact of our words on others, encouraging us to communicate in a way that edifies and uplifts.
From these passages, it is evident that the Bible calls us to practice self-control and mindfulness in our speech. Holding our tongue, especially in moments of anger or frustration, is portrayed as an act of wisdom and a mark of spiritual maturity. We are encouraged to speak with kindness, patience, and love, reflecting the character of Christ in every interaction.
As we reflect on these teachings, we are reminded that our words are a powerful tool with the capacity to build or to tear down. By holding our tongue and choosing our words carefully, we can better align ourselves with the principles of love, wisdom, and integrity taught throughout the Bible.