Kind words have the power to uplift, heal, and transform lives. Join us as we explore the verses in the Bible that emphasize the importance of speaking kindly, offering practical wisdom on the impact of our words and the responsibility we carry in using them to build others up and spread love and encouragement in a world that desperately needs it.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Staying Calm
Bible Verses About Speaking Kindly
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
This verse reminds us of the power of our words. When we respond with kindness and gentleness, we can diffuse tense situations and promote peace. On the other hand, responding with anger or harshness tends to escalate conflicts and provoke negative emotions. It challenges us to consider the impact our words have on others and encourages us to choose kindness in our interactions.
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 edifying words. Our words have the power to either build others up or tear them down. It calls us to pay attention to the impact our words have on others and urges us to choose language that is beneficial and uplifting. By speaking kindly, we can positively influence those around us and contribute to a more positive and encouraging atmosphere.
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 approach our conversations with grace. By exhibiting kindness, compassion, and understanding in our speech, we demonstrate the love of Christ to others. It reminds us that our words should be seasoned with the wisdom of God and tailored to the needs of those we interact with. When we speak kindly and graciously, we are better equipped to respond to others in a way that reflects the character of Christ.
Proverbs 16:24
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
This verse illustrates the power of our words to bring healing and encouragement. Just as honey is sweet and soothing, gracious words have the ability to uplift and comfort others. It emphasizes the positive impact that kind and gentle speech can have on those around us and reminds us of the importance of choosing our words wisely. By speaking kindly, we can contribute to the well-being and emotional healing of others.
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 provides wisdom for effective communication. By being attentive listeners, we can better understand the needs and perspectives of others. Taking our time to respond thoughtfully and being slow to anger can prevent misunderstandings and conflicts. It teaches us the importance of patience and empathy in our interactions, and encourages us to prioritize understanding and compassion over hasty and harsh words.
Proverbs 25:11
“Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances.”
This verse highlights the beauty and value of speaking kindly at the appropriate time. Just as golden apples displayed in silver settings are visually appealing, words spoken with wisdom and grace have a powerful impact when delivered at the right moment. It reminds us that timing and discernment are crucial in our speech, and encourages us to be intentional about choosing when and how we communicate with kindness and tact.
Matthew 7:12
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
This verse, known as the Golden Rule, calls us to treat others with kindness and respect. It challenges us to consider how we would want to be spoken to and interacted with, and to extend the same courtesy to others. By speaking kindly, we demonstrate the love and compassion that Christ has shown us, fulfilling the commandments to love God and love our neighbors as ourselves.
Proverbs 21:23
“Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of self-control and discretion in our speech. By being mindful of what we say and how we say it, we can prevent unnecessary conflicts and troubles. It reminds us that our words have consequences, both for ourselves and for others. By guarding our mouths and tongues and choosing to speak kindly, we can preserve relationships, maintain peace, and avoid unnecessary pain and turmoil.
Proverbs 12:18
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
This verse contrasts the impact of reckless and wise speech. Words spoken without thought and consideration can be hurtful and damaging, just like a piercing sword. On the other hand, the words of the wise are soothing and bring healing to wounded hearts. It reminds us of the power our words hold and calls us to use them wisely, by speaking kindly and with love and empathy for others.
Proverbs 15:28
“The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.”
This verse highlights the importance of wise and thoughtful responses. It encourages us to consider our words carefully, weighing their impact and considering their consequences. By doing so, we reflect the righteousness of God in our interactions. It also contrasts the speech of the wicked, which is characterized by harmful and malicious intent. This verse reminds us that our words should be aligned with a heart that seeks to honor God and demonstrate His love to others.
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 incredible power of our words. The words we speak have the ability to bring life or death, either by encouraging and uplifting others or by tearing them down. It calls us to be intentional about the impact our speech has and to choose our words wisely. By choosing kindness and speaking life-giving words, we create an environment that nourishes and blesses those around us.
James 3:9-10
“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 speaks to the inconsistency of our speech. It reminds us of the contradiction it poses when we praise God with our words but use them to harm or belittle others. It calls us to align our speech with the values and character of God, who created each person in His likeness. By speaking kindly, we honor the inherent worth and dignity of all human beings, reflecting the love of God in our words and actions.
Proverbs 10:19
“Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.”
This verse teaches us about the importance of self-control and wisdom in our speech. It highlights that talking excessively does not resolve or eliminate sin, but rather, restraining our tongues and being prudent with our words can prevent unnecessary conflicts. It reminds us that silence can be a virtue, especially when we are tempted to speak impulsively or speak negatively about others. By practicing restraint and thoughtfulness, we can maintain harmony and avoid unnecessary strife.
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.”
This verse connects the quality of our lives to the words we speak. It emphasizes the importance of refraining from speaking evil and deceitful words. By speaking kindly and truthfully, we contribute to a life that is characterized by love, joy, and harmony. It calls us to be mindful of the impact our words have on ourselves and others, and challenges us to choose speech that reflects godly virtues.
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 speaks to the accountability we have for the words we speak. It reminds us that our words carry weight and significance, and that we will be held responsible for how we have used them. It challenges us to be mindful of our speech, striving to speak kindly and truthfully. By doing so, we align ourselves with God’s standards of love and righteousness, knowing that our words have the power to impact both our present and eternal destinies.
Proverbs 17:28
“Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.”
This verse highlights the wisdom of remaining silent at times. Sometimes, refraining from speaking can be a sign of wisdom and discernment. It challenges us to think before we speak and to consider whether our words contribute to a conversation or simply add noise. By choosing our words carefully and discerning when to speak and when to listen, we can present ourselves as wise individuals, known for speaking thoughtfully and purposefully.
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 impulsively or hastily. It implies that thoughtless and rash speech is indicative of foolishness. By being mindful of our words and taking the time to consider their impact, we can avoid unnecessary mistakes and miscommunications. It encourages us to be deliberate and purposeful in our speech, showing wisdom and understanding.
Psalm 34:13
“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of speaking truthfully and refraining from deceit and falsehood. By choosing our words carefully and avoiding lies and deceit, we maintain integrity and trustworthiness. It challenges us to be people of honesty and transparency, reflecting the character of God in both our actions and our speech.
Proverbs 15:4
“The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”
This verse contrasts the impact of kind and hurtful words. Just as a soothing tongue brings comfort and life, a perverse tongue has the power to crush and wound. It reminds us of the importance of speaking kindly and gently, with the intention of building others up rather than tearing them down. By choosing words of encouragement and comfort, we contribute to the emotional well-being and flourishing of those around us.
Proverbs 18:4
“The words of the mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream.”
This verse speaks to the depth of our words and the importance of wisdom in our speech. It highlights that our words have the power to influence and shape others. By seeking wisdom and aligning our words with the principles of God, we can impact others for good. It challenges us to tap into the wellspring of wisdom that comes from the Lord, allowing our speech to flow like a cleansing and refreshing stream.
Proverbs 25:15
“Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.”
This verse teaches us about the power of gentleness and patience in our speech. When dealing with others, it encourages us to exercise patience and understanding, realizing that persuasion and influence are often more effective when delivered with a gentle demeanor. It underscores the value of kind and compassionate words, which have the ability to soften hearts and overcome resistance.
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 self-control and caution in our speech. By being mindful of our words and guarding our lips, we can prevent unnecessary conflicts and protect ourselves from the consequences of hasty speech. It reminds us of the impact our words can have on our own lives, urging us to choose speech that promotes peace, understanding, and life.
Proverbs 21:23
“Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of self-control and discretion in our speech. By being mindful of what we say and how we say it, we can prevent unnecessary conflicts and troubles. It reminds us that our words have consequences, both for ourselves and for others. By guarding our mouths and tongues and choosing to speak kindly, we can preserve relationships, maintain peace, and avoid unnecessary pain and turmoil.
Proverbs 12:18
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
This verse contrasts the impact of reckless and wise speech. Words spoken without thought and consideration can be hurtful and damaging, just like a piercing sword. On the other hand, the words of the wise are soothing and bring healing to wounded hearts. It reminds us of the power our words hold and calls us to use them wisely, by speaking kindly and with love and empathy for others.
Proverbs 25:11
“Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances.”
This verse highlights the beauty and value of speaking kindly at the appropriate time. Just as golden apples displayed in silver settings are visually appealing, words spoken with wisdom and grace have a powerful impact when delivered at the right moment. It reminds us that timing and discernment are crucial in our speech, and encourages us to be intentional about choosing when and how we communicate with kindness and tact.
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 provides wisdom for effective communication. By being attentive listeners, we can better understand the needs and perspectives of others. Taking our time to respond thoughtfully and being slow to anger can prevent misunderstandings and conflicts. It teaches us the importance of patience and empathy in our interactions, and encourages us to prioritize understanding and compassion over hasty and harsh words.
What Does the Bible Say About Speaking Kindly?
In the Bible, speaking kindly is emphasized as a reflection of the condition of our hearts. Proverbs 15:1 reminds us that “a gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” This verse encourages us to respond to others with gentleness and tact, even in the face of challenging situations.
Additionally, Ephesians 4:29 instructs us to “let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” This serves as a reminder to use our words to encourage and uplift others rather than tearing them down.
Furthermore, Colossians 4:6 encourages us to “let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” This verse highlights the importance of ensuring that our words are not only kind but also wise and discerning.
When we speak kindly, we honor God and show love to others. Jesus himself demonstrated the power of kind words in his interactions with people, showing us that speaking kindly is a reflection of a heart that is aligned with God’s love and compassion. As Christians, our speech should always be characterized by kindness, love, and grace.