The Bible teaches that words have power, and speaking negatively can impact not only others but ourselves as well. Scriptures encourage kindness, positivity, and wisdom in our speech, cautioning against gossip or harmful words. Understanding how the Bible views our words can remind us to uplift others and spread encouragement, bringing blessings through our conversations.
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What Does The Bible Say About Speaking Negative Words
Proverbs 18:21
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
This verse reminds us of the immense power that our words hold. Our tongue has the ability to bring life and blessings or to bring destruction and harm. We should be mindful of the words we speak because they have a lasting impact on ourselves and others.
James 3:5-6
“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. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.”
James warns us about the destructive power of the tongue. Just like a small spark can ignite a massive forest fire, our words can cause great harm and lead to chaos and destruction. We must guard our tongues and use our words wisely, being mindful of the impact they can have.
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 reminds us to use our words for edification and encouragement. Our words have the power to uplift and build others up, so we should refrain from speaking negatively or using words that tear others down. Instead, we should use our words to benefit and bless those who hear them.
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of responding to others with gentleness and kindness. Our words have the power to diffuse conflicts and calm situations. When we respond with anger or harshness, we only fuel the fire. Choosing to speak with gentleness can lead to reconciliation and promote peace.
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 highlights the need to eliminate negative and harmful speech from our lives. As followers of Christ, we are called to let go of anger, rage, malice, slander, and any form of unwholesome language. Our words should be filled with love, grace, and truth.
Proverbs 16:24
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
This verse emphasizes the power of speaking graciously and kindly. Our words have the ability to bring healing, comfort, and encouragement to others. When we choose to speak with grace, our words become a source of sweetness and nourishment to the souls of those who hear them.
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.”
Jesus teaches us that it is not what we eat that defiles us, but rather, it is the words that come out of our mouths. Our words have the potential to contaminate our hearts and corrupt our character. We should be mindful of what we say and strive to speak words that honor God and edify those around us.
Proverbs 12:18
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
This verse vividly portrays the impact of our words. Reckless and careless speech can cause deep wounds and hurt others. On the other hand, wise and thoughtful words have the power to bring healing and restoration. Let us strive to be wise in our speech and use our words to bring life and healing.
Ephesians 5:4
“Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.”
As followers of Christ, we are called to speak with purity and integrity. This verse reminds us to refrain from using obscene or foolish language and to avoid coarse joking. Instead, we are encouraged to use our words to express gratitude and thanksgiving, cultivating an atmosphere of positivity and encouragement.
Proverbs 10:19
“Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of exercising restraint when it comes to our speech. The prudent person knows when to hold their tongue and avoids multiplying words unnecessarily. Sometimes, silence is more powerful than words, and we should be cautious not to let our tongues lead us into sinful and destructive speech.
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.”
This verse serves as a prayer, expressing the desire to align our words and the meditations of our heart with God’s will. We should strive for our speech to reflect the character of God and to bring glory and honor to Him. Let us continually seek His guidance in the words we speak.
Proverbs 17:27
“The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.”
Wisdom calls us to exercise self-control and restraint when it comes to our words. Those who possess understanding are characterized by their even-temperedness and their ability to choose their words wisely. Let us seek knowledge and understanding, allowing them to guide our speech and interactions with others.
Matthew 12:36-37
“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.”
Jesus reminds us of the weight and significance of our words. Every idle or empty word will be accounted for on the day of judgment. Our words have the power to condemn or acquit us. Let us be mindful of the impact our speech can have and strive to use our words to honor and glorify God.
Proverbs 21:23
“Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of exercising self-control when it comes to our speech. The one who guards their mouth and tongue avoids unnecessary trouble and prevents themselves from falling into calamity. Let us strive to be mindful of our words, guarding them diligently, and avoiding unnecessary conflict and hardship.
Psalm 141:3
“Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.”
This verse serves as a prayer, acknowledging our need for God’s help in controlling our words. We recognize that our words can easily become a stumbling block, so we ask the Lord to place a guard over our mouth and help us in watching over the words that come from our lips. Let us continually lean on God’s strength and guidance to speak words of love, truth, and grace.
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 provides guidance on how we should engage in conversations. Our speech should be filled with grace, reflecting the character of Christ. Just as salt enhances the flavor of food, our words should bring flavor and goodness to our interactions. Through our speech, we should be ready to provide answers and guidance to those we encounter.
Proverbs 29:20
“Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them.”
This verse cautions against hasty and impulsive speech. One who speaks without thinking faces the consequences of their words. We should strive to be intentional and thoughtful in our speech, considering the impact our words may have on others. Let us seek wisdom and discernment before speaking, guarding against hastily spoken words.
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 guarding our lips and being cautious with our words. Those who exercise restraint and thoughtfulness in their speech preserve their well-being and protect themselves. Conversely, those who speak in haste and without forethought bring ruin upon themselves. Let us strive to be wise in our speech, preserving our lives through the words we choose to speak.
Proverbs 15:4
“The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”
This verse highlights the contrast between words that bring life and words that crush the spirit. Speaking soothing and kind words has the power to bring life and healing to those around us. On the other hand, using our words to spread perversion and negativity can crush and discourage others. Let us choose to speak words that bring life and build others up.
Psalm 34:13
“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.”
This verse serves as a reminder to guard our speech, refraining from speaking evil or spreading falsehoods. As followers of Christ, we are called to speak truth and to avoid engaging in gossip or speaking ill of others. Let us seek to honor God with our words and be people of integrity and honesty.
Proverbs 18:8
“The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.”
This verse highlights the allure of gossip and the potential harm it can cause. The words of a gossip may seem enticing and appealing, but they ultimately bring damage and hurt. Let us resist the temptation to engage in gossip and instead use our words to build others up and promote unity.
1 Peter 3:10
“For, ‘Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.”
Peter reminds us of the connection between the state of our tongue and the quality of our lives. Loving life and experiencing goodness requires that we guard our mouths from speaking evil or using deceitful speech. Let us strive to align our words with God’s truth and use our speech to bring life and blessing.
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 warns against the hypocrisy of claiming to be religious while failing to control our speech. Our words hold the power to reveal the truth of our hearts and faith. If we do not exercise self-control and wisdom with our words, our faith loses its value. Let us be mindful of the words we speak, ensuring they align with our relationship with God.
Matthew 5:37
“All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”
Jesus emphasizes the importance of speaking truthfully and honestly. Our words should be straightforward, without the need for manipulation or deception. When we speak with integrity, we reflect the character of God. Let our words be a reflection of truth and let us strive to live in authenticity and sincerity.
Leviticus 19:16
“Do not go about spreading slander among your people. Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s life. I am the LORD.”
This verse commands us to refrain from spreading slander and gossip. Our words should not be used to harm or endanger the lives of others. As followers of the Lord, we are called to speak truth, promote unity, and protect the well-being of our neighbors. Let us use our words to bring life and encouragement, honoring the Lord.