Words have power, and the Bible cautions us about how we use them. What does Scripture say about harsh words, and how can we speak life and encouragement instead of negativity and hurt? Let’s discover how the Bible guides us to use our words wisely and lovingly.
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What Does The Bible Say About Harsh Words
Proverbs 12:18
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
This verse highlights the power of our words. Harsh and reckless words can have a damaging impact on others, causing emotional pain and division. In contrast, wise and gentle words have the ability to bring healing and reconciliation.
It reminds us to be mindful of the words we speak, and to choose our words wisely, using them to uplift, encourage, and bring healing to others instead of causing harm.
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 instructs us to refrain from using harsh or hurtful words. Instead, we are encouraged to use our words to edify and build others up. Our words should be chosen carefully, focusing on bringing benefit to those who hear them.
This verse emphasizes the importance of speaking words that encourage, inspire, and show love and kindness to others, rather than using language that tears down and causes harm.
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
This verse highlights the power of gentleness in diffusing conflict. When faced with anger or hostility, responding with soft-spoken words can help to calm the situation and promote understanding and reconciliation.
On the other hand, responding with harsh words only fuels anger and tension. This verse reminds us of the importance of choosing our words carefully, responding with gentleness and humility even when faced with difficult circumstances.
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 advises us to eliminate harsh and negative speech from our lives. As followers of Christ, we are called to rid ourselves of anger, malice, and slander, replacing them with words that uphold truth, love, and respect.
It reminds us that our words have the power to shape our relationships and reflect our character, so we should strive to speak with kindness and integrity, avoiding harsh and hurtful language.
Proverbs 16:24
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
This verse portrays the beauty and impact of kind and gracious words. Just as honey brings sweetness and healing, our words have the power to bring comfort, encouragement, and healing to others.
It serves as a reminder to use our words to uplift others, to offer words of affirmation and support, and to bring strength and renewal to those around us.
Matthew 5:22
“But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.”
This verse emphasizes the seriousness of harsh and derogatory words. Jesus teaches that not only our actions but also our words have consequences.
It cautions against using derogatory language or verbally attacking others, reminding us to guard our hearts and to speak with love and respect, recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of every individual.
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 challenges us to reflect on the connection between our faith and our words. It reminds us that true religion goes beyond mere profession and extends to how we speak and interact with others.
It urges us to exercise self-control over our tongues, ensuring that our words align with the love and grace of Christ, for if we fail to do so, our faith becomes empty and insignificant.
Matthew 5:37
“All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”
This verse encourages us to speak truthfully and honestly, without the need for exaggeration, manipulation, or harshness.
It reminds us that our words should be genuine and sincere, reflecting the character of Christ, and free from deceit or ulterior motives.
Proverbs 10:19
“Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.”
This verse cautions against excessive talking and the potential for using harsh or sinful words. It advises us to exercise restraint and wisdom by being thoughtful in our speech.
It reminds us to think before we speak, to choose our words carefully, and to be aware of the impact our words may have on others.
Proverbs 18:21
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
This verse underscores the tremendous power our words possess. Our tongue has the ability to speak life-giving words that bring hope, joy, and encouragement, but it can also be a source of destruction and pain.
It serves as a reminder that our words have consequences, and it emphasizes the importance of using our speech to build up and bless others rather than tear them down.
Proverbs 21:23
“Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.”
This verse highlights the significance of exercising self-control over our speech. By carefully guarding our words, we can avoid unnecessary trouble, misunderstandings, and conflicts.
It encourages us to be mindful of the impact our words may have and to choose wisdom and self-restraint, ensuring that our tongue reflects the love and peace of Christ.
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 and without thought. It suggests that a person who speaks hastily exhibits a lack of wisdom and discernment.
It emphasizes the importance of taking time to consider our words before speaking, avoiding rash and hurtful remarks that may damage relationships and reflect poorly on our character.
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 illustrates the potential destructive power of the tongue. Although small in size, our words have the ability to ignite conflicts and cause immense harm.
It serves as a reminder of the need to use our words responsibly, recognizing the weight they carry and the influence they can exert over others.
Proverbs 25:11
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.”
This verse portrays the beauty and impact of words that are spoken with wisdom, grace, and timing. Just as gold and silver are precious and valuable, our words have the ability to bring immense value and blessing to others.
It serves as a reminder to choose our words carefully, ensuring that they are uplifting, edifying, and spoken at the right time to maximize their impact and effectiveness.
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 reminds us of the accountability we will face for every word we speak. It serves as a sobering reminder that our words have eternal significance and will be subject to judgment.
It encourages us to use our words thoughtfully, ensuring that they align with the teachings and example of Christ, reflecting His love and truth in all that we say.
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. It acknowledges our tendency to speak harshly or without thought, and seeks divine intervention in controlling the words that come from our mouth.
It reminds us that we cannot control our speech on our own, but we can rely on God to guide and direct us in using words that build up, encourage, and reflect His character.
Proverbs 17:28
“Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.”
This verse highlights the value of silence and restraint. Sometimes, it is better to remain quiet than to speak hastily or impulsively.
It encourages us to think before we speak, to consider the impact and consequences of our words, and to exhibit wisdom and understanding by being discerning in our speech.
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 emphasizes the importance of monitoring our speech and the words we choose to express. It reminds us that our words have the potential to defile us, revealing the condition of our hearts and character.
It urges us to cultivate a heart that is filled with love, grace, and kindness, so that our words may also reflect these qualities and honor God.
Ephesians 5:4
“Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.”
This verse warns against the use of profane, vulgar, and coarse language. As followers of Christ, our speech should be characterized by thankfulness, purity, and edification.
It serves as a reminder to guard our speech, avoiding offensive language and choosing words that are pleasing to God and uplifting to others.
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 speaks to the connection between our speech and the quality of our lives. It encourages us to refrain from speaking evil and deceitful words, recognizing their potential to negatively impact our relationships and overall well-being.
It reminds us of the importance of living with integrity, speaking truthfully, and using our words to build and strengthen our relationships.
Proverbs 12:25
“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.”
This verse highlights the power of kind and uplifting words in comforting and encouraging others. It suggests that our words have the ability to ease anxiety and bring comfort to those who are burdened.
It serves as a reminder to look for opportunities to speak words of kindness and encouragement, recognizing the impact they can have on the emotional well-being of others.
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 let our speech be characterized by grace, humility, and wisdom. Our words should be seasoned with salt, meaning they should be savory and enlightening, bringing understanding and clarity.
It serves as a reminder to use our words to reflect the love of Christ, being mindful of the impact they may have on others and seeking to respond in a manner that honors God.
Proverbs 11:9
“With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors, but through knowledge the righteous escape.”
This verse contrasts the destructive power of the words spoken by the godless with the righteous, who use their knowledge to bring about their own deliverance.
It reminds us to be cautious of the words we speak, seeking knowledge and understanding before opening our mouths, so that we may avoid causing harm and instead promote peace and unity.