The words we speak have power. The Bible cautions us to be mindful of our speech. We’ll look into verses that remind us of the importance of thoughtful and kind communication, highlighting the impact of our words.
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Bible Verses About Being Careful What You Say
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 importance of being cautious with our words. Our tongues have immense power and can either bring life or death. The words we speak can have a lasting impact on others and ourselves. It reminds us to choose our words carefully, speaking life and encouragement rather than words that tear others down.
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.”
This verse encourages us to be mindful of our words by emphasizing the importance of listening before speaking. By being quick to hear and slow to speak, we can avoid hasty and potentially harmful words. It also reminds us to control our anger, as our speech can often be influenced by our emotions.
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 highlights the importance of speaking words that are both beneficial and uplifting. It encourages us to refrain from using words that are unwholesome or damaging. Instead, our words should be focused on edifying others and meeting their needs. This verse reminds us of the power our words have to positively impact those around us.
Proverbs 10:19
“Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.”
This verse underscores the wisdom in being cautious with our speech. Often, excessive words can lead to sin and trouble. The verse urges us to be wise and prudent by knowing when to speak and when to remain silent. It teaches us that restraint and thoughtful use of words are essential to avoid unnecessary conflict or sin.
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.”
This verse reminds us of the weightiness of our words. It states that we will be held accountable for every careless or empty word we speak. Our words have the power to either justify us or condemn us. It serves as a reminder to choose our words wisely and to speak with integrity.
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
This verse teaches us the power of gentle and kind words. By responding calmly and with kindness, we can diffuse anger and hostility. Conversely, using harsh or hurtful words simply escalates the situation and contributes to conflict. It encourages us to respond to others in a gentle manner, fostering harmony and understanding.
Proverbs 16:24
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
This verse highlights the impact of gracious and kind words. Just as honey is sweet to the taste, gracious words bring sweetness to the soul. They have the power to heal and uplift, offering comfort and encouragement to those who receive them. It reminds us of the importance of speaking words of kindness and love.
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 teaches us that it is not what we consume that defiles us, but rather, what we speak. Our words have the potential to reflect the state of our hearts. It reminds us to be mindful of the things we say, as they have the power to either build up or tear down others.
Psalm 141:3
“Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.”
This verse is a plea to God for help in guarding our speech. Recognizing our own weaknesses and tendency to speak rashly or negatively, we ask for the Lord’s intervention to keep our words in check. It serves as a reminder that we need God’s guidance in controlling our tongues.
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 us to embody grace in our speech. It is a reminder to speak with kindness, love, and understanding, even when dealing with challenging situations or people. By doing so, we are able to respond to others in a way that reflects the character of Christ.
Proverbs 29:11
“Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.”
This verse reminds us that wisdom lies in controlling our anger and not letting it dictate our words. Fools are known for their uncontrolled outbursts of rage, but the wise maintain a sense of calm. It serves as a reminder to exercise self-control and choose our words carefully, even when we are upset or provoked.
Proverbs 12:18
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
This verse highlights the destructive power of reckless and thoughtless words. A careless tongue can inflict deep wounds, causing harm and pain to others. Conversely, the words of the wise bring healing and restoration. It serves as a reminder of the importance of using our words to uplift and encourage.
Matthew 5:37
“All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”
This verse calls for honesty and integrity in our speech. It encourages us to speak simply and truthfully, without the need for excessive explanation or manipulation. Our words should be characterized by sincerity and trustworthiness, avoiding any deceit or falsehood.
James 3:8-10
“But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 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.”
This verse acknowledges the difficulty in controlling our tongues. It recognizes that the tongue can be both a source of blessing and a vehicle for harm. It calls us to be consistent in our speech, speaking words of praise and building up others rather than tearing them down.
Proverbs 17:27
“The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of using our words with restraint and wisdom. It encourages us to exercise self-control and not to speak impulsively. By being even-tempered and measured in our speech, we demonstrate understanding and wisdom.
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 for God’s guidance and approval over our speech. It recognizes that our words and thoughts should align with God’s will and be pleasing to Him. It reminds us to seek His help in guarding our words and keeping our hearts focused on what is good.
Proverbs 21:23
“Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.”
This verse highlights the importance of guarding our speech. It suggests that by exercising self-control and choosing our words wisely, we can avoid unnecessary troubles and difficulties. It reminds us of the impact our words can have on our own lives and the lives of those around us.
Ecclesiastes 5:2
“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.”
This verse cautions us against being hasty in our speech, especially when it comes to speaking before God. It reminds us that God is sovereign and holy, and we should approach Him with reverence and care. It teaches us to be mindful of what we say and to speak with humility and thoughtfulness.
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 highlights the connection between our words and the condition of our hearts. It teaches us that our speech is a reflection of what is within us. If our hearts are filled with goodness, our words will reflect that. Conversely, if our hearts are filled with evil, our speech will reflect that as well. It serves as a reminder to guard our hearts so that our words may be wholesome and uplifting.
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 emphasizes the accountability we have for our words. It reminds us that every word we speak will be taken into account on the day of judgment. It serves as a sobering reminder to be mindful of our speech, realizing that even our seemingly insignificant words carry weight.
Psalm 141:3
“Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.”
This verse is a prayer for God’s help in guarding our speech. It acknowledges our human frailty and tendency to speak rashly or negatively. By asking God to set a guard over our mouths, we recognize our need for His guidance and control over our words.
Proverbs 13:3
“Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.”
This verse highlights the importance of guarding our lips. It suggests that by exercising caution and self-control in our speech, we can avoid unnecessary harm and consequences. It serves as a reminder that our words have the power to either bring life or 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 teaches us that it is not what we consume that defiles us, but rather, what we speak. Our words have the potential to reflect the state of our hearts. It reminds us to be mindful of the things we say, as they have the power to either build up or tear down others.
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 speaking hastily or without careful thought. It suggests that those who regularly speak impulsively lack wisdom. It serves as a reminder to take the time to think before we speak, ensuring that our words are intentional and beneficial.
Proverbs 16:23
“The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction.”
This verse emphasizes the connection between wisdom and prudent speech. It suggests that those who possess wisdom are known for their prudence and their ability to teach and instruct others. It serves as a reminder that our words should reflect the wisdom we have gained, benefiting and teaching those around us.
Proverbs 18:2
“Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.”
This verse highlights the folly of those who prioritize their own opinions over understanding. It suggests that wise individuals take joy in seeking understanding and considering different perspectives. It reminds us to approach conversations and discussions with humility and a desire to learn rather than simply asserting our opinions.
What Does the Bible Say About Being Careful What You Say?
In the book of James, we are reminded of the power of our words. James 3:5 tells us that the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. It goes on to say that the tongue is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body, and that it corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. This is a strong warning about the potential harm our words can cause.
Proverbs 18:21 also highlights the significance of our words, stating that “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” Our words have the power to bring both life and death, blessing and cursing. Therefore, we are encouraged to use our words wisely and to speak life-giving words that build up and encourage others.
Ephesians 4:29 instructs us to “Let no corrupting talk come out of [our] mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” This verse emphasizes the importance of speaking in a way that edifies and encourages those around us.
As Christians, we should strive to speak with love, grace, and kindness, being mindful of the impact our words can have on others. Matthew 12:36-37 reminds us that we will have to give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word we speak, and that by our words we will be justified, and by our words, we will be condemned.
Ultimately, the Bible urges us to be careful with our words, recognizing their power to bring life or death, and encourages us to use them to build others up and bring glory to God.