Words have incredible power—they can either build up or tear down. Hurtful words can leave lasting scars, but the Bible offers guidance on using our speech to bring life instead of pain. Today, we’ll see what Scripture says about guarding our tongues and choosing kindness in our conversations.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Hating Others
Bible Verses About Mean People
Proverbs 18:21 – The power of speech can build or destroy.
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” – Proverbs 18:21
James 3:5 – Even a small word can have a huge impact.
“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
Ephesians 4:29 – Our words should uplift rather than hurt.
“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 12:18 – Speak wisely to avoid causing pain.
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” – Proverbs 12:18
Colossians 4:6 – Season your speech with grace.
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” – Colossians 4:6
Proverbs 21:23 – Guarding our words can shield us from trouble.
“Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.” – Proverbs 21:23
Matthew 12:36 – 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.” – Matthew 12:36
Proverbs 15:1 – A gentle answer diffuses anger.
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1
Galatians 5:15 – Hurtful words can lead to destruction among us.
“If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.” – Galatians 5:15
Proverbs 26:20 – Without gossip, conflict diminishes.
“Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.” – Proverbs 26:20
1 Peter 3:9 – Speak kindly, even in the face of hurt.
“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
Proverbs 10:19 – The more we speak, the more likely we hurt.
“Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.” – Proverbs 10:19
Psalm 19:14 – May our words reflect our hearts.
“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
Proverbs 15:4 – Wise words bring healing.
“The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.” – Proverbs 15:4
Luke 6:31 – Treat others with the kindness you wish to receive.
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” – Luke 6:31
Proverbs 16:24 – Kind words are like honey to the soul.
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” – Proverbs 16:24
Ecclesiastes 3:7 – There is a time to speak and a time to be silent.
“A time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak.” – Ecclesiastes 3:7
Philippians 4:8 – Focus on what is positive and praiseworthy.
“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 4:24 – Keep harmful words at bay.
“Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.” – Proverbs 4:24
Matthew 7:1 – Be cautious about how we judge others.
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” – Matthew 7:1
Romans 12:14 – Bless those who speak ill of you.
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” – Romans 12:14
Proverbs 27:6 – A true friend will speak honestly, even when it hurts.
“Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” – Proverbs 27:6
Colossians 3:8 – Let go of negative speech.
“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
Proverbs 30:32 – Think before you speak to avoid hurting others.
“If you play the fool and exalt yourself, or if you plan evil, clap your hand over your mouth!” – Proverbs 30:32
Isaiah 50:4 – The Lord instructs us how to share words wisely.
“The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary.” – Isaiah 50:4
Job 16:5 – Words can bring comfort in times of hurt.
“But if it were me, I would appeal to God; I would lay my cause before him. I would find comfort in my words.” – Job 16:5
1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Encourage one another and build each other up.
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Proverbs 23:9 – Don’t waste your words on foolishness.
“Do not speak to fools, for they will scorn your prudent words.” – Proverbs 23:9
Psalm 34:13 – Speak only what is good and right.
“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.” – Psalm 34:13
Proverbs 29:20 – Control your words for a peaceful life.
“Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them.” – Proverbs 29:20
Isaiah 54:17 – No weapon, including words, formed against you will prevail.
“No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.” – Isaiah 54:17
Romans 15:2 – Seek to please others in your words.
“Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.” – Romans 15:2
Proverbs 9:8 – Do not rebuke a scoffer, but share wisdom instead.
“Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you.” – Proverbs 9:8
Matthew 5:44 – Love your enemies with your words.
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” – Matthew 5:44
Philippians 2:14 – Speak and act without grumbling.
“Do everything without grumbling or arguing.” – Philippians 2:14