Our words carry a lot of power, and the Bible warns us to be mindful of what we say. Today, we’ll see how Scripture guides us to use our tongues wisely, helping us speak in ways that build others up and honor God.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Making Mistakes
What Does The Bible Say About Your Tongue
Proverbs 18:21
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
This verse emphasizes the significant impact our words can have on others. Our tongue has the power to bring life and encouragement or to bring death and destruction. It reminds us to be mindful of our words and the consequences they may have.
James 1:26
“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.”
This verse highlights the importance of controlling our speech as an indication of genuine faith. It warns against hypocrisy, stating that true religion is reflected in our ability to restrain our tongues and speak in a way that honors God.
Proverbs 15:4
“The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”
This verse illustrates the contrasting effects of our words. A gentle and kind tongue brings comfort and healing, like a tree of life. In contrast, a tongue that speaks perversely or harshly can cause deep hurt and crush the spirit of others.
Proverbs 12:18
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
This verse emphasizes the power of our words to wound or to heal. Reckless and thoughtless words can cause deep pain, acting as sharp swords. On the other hand, wise words have the ability to bring healing and restoration.
Matthew 12:36
“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.”
This verse serves as a reminder of the ultimate accountability for our words. It encourages us to be mindful of the words we speak, as we will be held responsible for every idle or empty word we have spoken when we stand before God in judgment.
Proverbs 16:24
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
This verse highlights the power of uplifting and kind words. Gracious words carry sweetness to the soul, bringing comfort, joy, and healing to those who receive them.
Psalm 141:3
“Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.”
In this verse, the psalmist prays for God’s help in controlling their speech. It acknowledges the need for divine guidance and protection to keep their words in check, demonstrating humility and a desire for wise speech.
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.”
This verse uses vivid imagery to illustrate the immense power contained within the tongue. Although it is a small part of our body, it has the potential to cause significant destruction, just as a small spark can ignite a vast forest fire. It reminds us to be cautious and intentional with our words.
Proverbs 17:27
“The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.”
This verse highlights the importance of wisdom and self-control in our speech. Those who possess knowledge and understanding exercise restraint in their words, exhibiting a calm and steady demeanor.
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.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of using our words to edify and encourage others. It instructs us to refrain from speaking anything that is harmful or unedifying, but rather to speak words that are beneficial and uplifting to those who hear.
Proverbs 10:19
“Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.”
This verse highlights the wisdom of keeping our words in check. It reminds us that excessive talking does not lead to righteousness or resolution, but those who are prudent and wise exercise self-control by restraining their tongues.
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.”
This verse instructs believers to remove all forms of negative and harmful speech from their mouths. It encourages the abandonment of anger, rage, malice, slander, and any form of impure language, highlighting the need for transformation in our speech.
Proverbs 21:23
“Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.”
This verse highlights the protective nature of exercising self-control over our speech. By guarding our mouths and tongues, we can avoid unnecessary trouble, conflict, and disastrous consequences that may arise from careless or hurtful words.
Psalm 34:13
“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.”
This verse teaches the importance of refraining from evil speech and deceitful words. It encourages us to use our words to promote truth, righteousness, and build trust rather than engaging in falsehood or harmful speech.
Luke 6:45
“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. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”
This verse reminds us that our words are a reflection of our hearts. A person’s speech exposes the true condition of their heart, whether it is filled with goodness and righteousness or with evil and wickedness.
Proverbs 13:3
“Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of exercising self-control and discretion in our speech. Those who are careful with their words and refrain from hasty and reckless speech protect themselves from unnecessary harm and destruction.
Matthew 15:11
“What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.”
This verse highlights the significance of the words we speak. It teaches that it is not what we consume but what we say that truly defiles or reflects the condition of our hearts.
Psalm 19:14
“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock, and my Redeemer.”
In this verse, the psalmist offers a prayer that their words and inner thoughts align with God’s desires. It expresses the desire for integrity in both speech and heart, seeking to bring honor and pleasure to the Lord.
Ephesians 5:4
“Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.”
This verse encourages believers to avoid using obscene language, engaging in foolish talk, or participating in coarse joking. It emphasizes the importance of cultivating an atmosphere of gratitude and thanksgiving through our speech.
Proverbs 29:20
“Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them.”
This verse warns against the danger of speaking hastily and without thought. It highlights that individuals who consistently speak impulsively are considered foolish, with less hope for growth and wisdom.
Colossians 4:6
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
This verse encourages believers to approach their conversations in a gracious and impactful manner. It suggests that our speech should be seasoned with wisdom, reflecting the influence of Christ in our lives, and enabling us to respond effectively to others.
James 3:10
“Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.”
This verse confronts the inconsistency of praising God while simultaneously uttering curses or negative words toward others. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining consistency in our speech and aligning our words with love and grace.
Psalm 141:3
“Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.”
In this verse, the psalmist prays for God’s help in controlling their speech. It acknowledges the need for divine guidance and protection to keep their words in check, demonstrating humility and a desire for wise speech.
Proverbs 12:25
“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.”
This verse highlights the impact of kind and uplifting words on the human heart. It recognizes that anxiety can burden and oppress, but a kind word has the power to bring joy, comfort, and encouragement.
Matthew 12:37
“For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words, you will be condemned.”
This verse emphasizes the significance of our words and their impact on our lives. It reveals that our words have the power to either vindicate us or condemn us, underscoring the importance of speaking words that honor God and reflect His character.
In the Bible, there is a strong emphasis on the power of the tongue and the importance of using our words wisely. These verses provide guidance and instructions on how we should guard our tongue, avoid negative and harmful speech, and instead use words that build up, encourage, and bring life.
The tongue has the power to bring life or death, and it is vital to be mindful of the impact our words can have on others. Our speech should be characterized by gentleness, kindness, and truthfulness, as we strive to speak words that honor God and reflect His love.
These verses also highlight the connection between our speech and our hearts. The words we speak are a reflection of what is in our hearts, and therefore, it is crucial to guard our hearts and ensure that they are filled with goodness, love, and grace.
Furthermore, these verses emphasize the need for self-control and discipline in our speech. It is essential to think before we speak, avoiding rash and careless words. Instead, we should choose our words wisely, considering their impact and seeking to bring glory to God.
Ultimately, our speech should be guided by the principles of love, kindness, and humility. We should seek to encourage and uplift others, using our words to bring healing and restoration. By aligning our speech with God’s Word and relying on His strength and guidance, we can become effective communicators, reflecting the love of Christ to the world.