The power of our words cannot be underestimated. The Bible contains verses that speak to the impact of our speech, urging us to use our tongues wisely, with love, and for edification.
Join me as we delve into Scripture, exploring insightful Bible verses about the tongue, and discovering the transformative potential of our words to bring life, healing, and positive change in our relationships and the world around us.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Relationships with Boyfriend
Bible Verses About the Tongue
James 3:5-6
So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.
James warns believers of the destructive power of the tongue. Though small, it can cause great harm and destruction if not used wisely, leading to unrighteousness and even being set on fire by hell.
Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
The words we speak hold great power, either bringing death or life. This verse emphasizes the importance of being mindful of what we say, as we will reap the consequences of our words.
James 1:26
If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.
James reminds us that true religion involves not only our actions but also our words. If we claim to be religious but fail to control our tongue, our religion is empty and meaningless.
Proverbs 15:4
A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
This verse praises the value of using gentle and kind words. A gentle tongue can bring life and healing, while rude and perverse talk can bring harm and break people’s spirit.
Matthew 12:36-37
I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.
Christ reminds us that our words hold great accountability. We will be judged for the words we speak, therefore we should choose them wisely and speak only what is true, necessary, and uplifting.
Proverbs 21:23
Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.
This verse reinforces the value of controlling our tongue. By doing so, we can avoid getting into trouble and protect ourselves from the disastrous consequences of unwise words.
Ephesians 4:29
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.
Paul exhorts believers to use their words to build others up, choosing only words that are good, fitting, and filled with grace.
Proverbs 10:19
When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.
This verse cautions us against the dangers of speaking too much. By restraining our lips, we can demonstrate wisdom and avoid speaking words that could lead to sin or transgression.
Psalm 34:13
Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.
The psalmist reminds readers to guard their tongue from speaking evil or deceitful words. Doing so can demonstrate integrity, honor, and respect for others.
Colossians 3:8
But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.
Paul instructs believers to put away unrighteous anger, wrath, slander, and obscene talk from their mouths. Instead, we should use our words in a way that honors God and demonstrates love and respect for others.
Proverbs 16:24
Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
This verse extols the virtues of using gracious words. It compares them to a honeycomb, bringing sweetness and health to the soul and body.
Proverbs 12:18
There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
This verse contrasts the destructive power of rash and unwise words with the healing power of wise words. By using our words in a godly and wise manner, we can bring healing and blessing to others.
Proverbs 29:20
Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
This verse underscores the danger of being hasty in our speech. Being rash with our words can lead to foolishness and a lack of self-control.
1 Peter 3:10
For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit;
This verse reiterates the spiritual and worldly benefits of controlling our tongue. By keeping our lips from speaking evil and deceit, we can experience the fullness of life and see good days.
Proverbs 13:3
Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.
This verse highlights the importance of guarding our mouth, which can ultimately preserve our lives. By opening our lips too wide, we may end up saying things that bring ruin or destruction to ourselves or others.
Proverbs 17:28
Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.
This verse powerfully demonstrates the value of silence. Sometimes, it is wise to hold our tongue and listen, rather than speaking too quickly and appearing foolish.
Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
This verse serves as a beautiful prayer and reminder that our words and thoughts should be pleasing to God. As we strive to control our tongue and meditate on God’s truth, we can offer up a pleasing sacrifice to the Lord.
Proverbs 25:11
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
This verse beautifully illustrates the power of using words that are well-timed and fitting. Such words can be precious and beautiful, bringing forth life and light to those who hear them.
Proverbs 15:1
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
This verse emphasizes the power of gentleness and softness in our speech. Such an approach can defuse anger and turn it away, while harsh and angry words can ignite it.
Proverbs 6:16-19
There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.
This verse lists several things that are an abomination to God, including lying tongues. It cautions us against speaking falsehood and stirring up discord among others.
Matthew 15:11
It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.”
This verse reminds us that our words hold great weight. It is not simply what we eat or drink that can defile us, but the words we speak. Therefore, we should be mindful of what comes out of our mouth and seek to honor God with every word.
Proverbs 29:11
A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.
This verse reinforces the importance of self-control in our speech. A wise and godly person should be able to hold back their words when necessary, keeping a cool and calm spirit in all circumstances.
What does the Bible say about the tongue?
The Bible speaks extensively about the tongue and its significance in our lives. One of the key themes is that the tongue has the power to influence, encourage, and uplift others, but it can also cause harm and destruction. Here are some notable verses that highlight the importance of using our words wisely:
a) Proverbs 18:21 (ESV):
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”
This verse is a powerful reminder of the impact our words can have on others and ourselves. Our speech can either bring life by offering encouragement, love, and kindness or bring death by spreading negativity, hatred, and lies.
b) James 3:5-6 (NIV):
“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.”
This passage from the Book of James compares the tongue to a small spark that can set a great forest ablaze. It warns about the potential destructive force of our words and how they can have far-reaching consequences.
Which Bible verse talks about the power of the tongue?
The Bible verse that specifically addresses the power of the tongue is Proverbs 18:21, which we mentioned earlier. Let’s delve deeper into this verse to understand its implications better.
Proverbs 18:21 (ESV) states:
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”
This verse underscores the extraordinary power that our words possess. Our speech has the ability to bring about both death and life. The phrase “those who love it will eat its fruits” indicates that those who understand the power of the tongue and use it wisely will experience positive outcomes and blessings in their lives.
As humans, we are uniquely gifted with the capacity for speech, and the Bible reminds us that we should be responsible for how we use this gift. Our words can either build people up, give them hope, and inspire them to be better or tear them down, causing pain and suffering.
What does Proverbs say about the tongue?
The Book of Proverbs contains numerous verses that provide wisdom on various aspects of life, and the tongue is a recurring topic throughout the book. Let’s explore some key verses from Proverbs that shed light on the nature of the tongue and how we should use it:
a) Proverbs 10:19 (NIV):
“Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of not being careless with our words. It advises that excessive talking does not lead to righteousness or resolution. Instead, those who are wise exercise self-control and restraint over their tongues.
b) Proverbs 12:18 (ESV):
“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
This verse draws a sharp contrast between the harmful words of those who speak without thinking and the words of the wise that bring healing and restoration. It encourages us to be thoughtful and gentle in our speech, seeking to mend and uplift rather than harm others.
c) Proverbs 15:4 (NIV):
“The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”
This verse beautifully illustrates the positive impact of gentle and comforting words. A soothing tongue, which speaks with kindness and empathy, has the power to bring life and nourishment to others. On the other hand, a tongue that is twisted and harmful can crush people’s spirits, leading to pain and despair.
d) Proverbs 21:23 (ESV):
“Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.”
This verse succinctly conveys the idea that exercising control over our speech can prevent unnecessary conflicts and troubles. It reminds us that our words have consequences, and being mindful of what we say can spare us and others from unnecessary hardship.
What does the Bible say about how to control your tongue?
Controlling the tongue is a challenging task, but the Bible offers valuable guidance on how to do so. It emphasizes the importance of self-control, wisdom, and aligning our hearts with goodness to ensure that our words are uplifting and edifying. Here are some key principles on how to control the tongue based on biblical teachings:
a) Seeking Wisdom: Proverbs 10:19 (NIV) advises that “the prudent hold their tongues.” This means that wise individuals think before they speak. Seeking wisdom and understanding can help us discern when it is appropriate to speak and when it is best to remain silent.
b) Guarding Your Heart: In Luke 6:45 (NIV), Jesus teaches, “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil. For out of the abundance of the heart, his mouth speaks.” This highlights the link between our hearts and our speech. To control our tongues, we must first work on purifying and nurturing our hearts to overflow with goodness and love.
c) Practicing Self-Control: The Bible places significant emphasis on self-control. Proverbs 21:23 (ESV) states, “Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.” Choosing to restrain ourselves from speaking impulsively or in anger can prevent many conflicts and negative consequences.
d) Seeking the Holy Spirit’s Guidance: For Christians, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit is crucial in controlling the tongue. Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV) mentions the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. By cultivating these attributes through the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives, we can learn to speak in ways that align with godly virtues.
e) Using Words to Encourage and Build Up: Ephesians 4:29 (NIV) says, “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 using our words to encourage and uplift others. Being mindful of the impact our words can have on someone’s day and life can inspire us to choose kindness and positivity in our speech.
f) Practicing Gratitude and Praise: A thankful heart often leads to words of praise and gratitude. Psalm 34:1 (ESV) says, “I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” By cultivating an attitude of gratitude and praising God, we can fill our speech with expressions of thankfulness rather than complaints or negativity.
In conclusion, the Bible speaks extensively about the power and control of the tongue. It emphasizes the significance of using our words wisely to bring life, encouragement, and healing to others.
Additionally, the scriptures provide practical guidance on how to control the tongue by seeking wisdom, guarding our hearts, practicing self-control, seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and using our words to uplift and build up others.
By incorporating these principles into our lives, we can harness the power of our tongues for good, fostering positive relationships and spreading love and kindness in the world.