The Bible has much to say about the power of the tongue and the importance of self-control in speech. Holding your tongue, especially in moments of anger or frustration, is a recurring theme in Scripture. Let’s explore what the Bible teaches about taming the tongue and the impact our words have on ourselves and others.
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What Does The Bible Say About Holding Your Tongue
Proverbs 10:19
“When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of restraining our words and being careful with what we say. It reminds us that speaking too much can often lead to saying things that are sinful or harmful, and that practicing self-control in our speech is a sign of wisdom.
Furthermore, by holding our tongues and choosing our words carefully, we can avoid unnecessary conflicts, misunderstandings, and hurt feelings. It teaches us to think before we speak and to use our words wisely to build others up and express love and kindness.
Proverbs 17:28
“Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.”
This verse reminds us that there is wisdom in silence. Sometimes, it is better to remain quiet than to speak and reveal our foolishness. By holding our tongues and listening attentively, we can gain knowledge, understanding, and insight.
Choosing to refrain from speaking when we have nothing valuable to contribute allows others to take the stage and share their thoughts. It shows humility and respect for others, and it can prevent unnecessary conflicts or misunderstandings that can arise from thoughtless words.
James 1:19
“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.”
This verse teaches us the importance of being good listeners. By holding our tongues and being quick to listen, we can gain wisdom and understanding. It encourages us to be slow to speak, reminding us to think before we respond and to choose our words carefully.
Furthermore, by being slow to anger, we can avoid reacting impulsively or saying hurtful things in the heat of the moment. Holding our tongues in moments of anger allows us to maintain self-control and respond in a way that reflects God’s love and grace.
Proverbs 29:11
“A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.”
This verse contrasts the behavior of a fool and a wise person. It highlights that a fool readily expresses their emotions and opinions without restraint, whereas a wise person exercises self-control and holds back from speaking impulsively.
By holding our tongues and not giving full vent to our thoughts and emotions, we demonstrate wisdom and maturity. It reminds us to consider the impact of our words before we speak, avoiding unnecessary conflict and demonstrating humility and self-control.
Proverbs 15:1
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
This verse teaches us the power of gentle and kind words. By holding our tongues and responding with a soft answer, we can diffuse anger and prevent conflicts from escalating. It encourages us to choose our words carefully, speaking with love, respect, and empathy.
On the other hand, using harsh and hurtful words only serves to provoke anger and intensify conflict. Therefore, this verse reminds us to hold our tongues and respond in a way that promotes peace and understanding, even in challenging situations.
Proverbs 21:23
“Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.”
This verse highlights the connection between holding our tongues and avoiding trouble. By exercising self-control and being mindful of our words, we can prevent unnecessary conflicts, misunderstandings, and hurtful situations.
Keeping our mouths and tongues in check allows us to live in harmony with others and promotes healthy relationships. It reminds us to think before we speak and consider the consequences of our words, choosing to use them to build up and encourage others.
Proverbs 13:3
“Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of guarding our mouths and being cautious with our speech. By holding our tongues and speaking prudently, we can avoid getting into trouble or causing harm to ourselves or others.
On the contrary, a lack of self-control and an inclination to speak without restraint can lead to ruin, damaging relationships, reputation, and even personal well-being. This verse reminds us of the power of our words and the need to exercise wisdom in our speech.
Ecclesiastes 3:7
“A time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.”
This verse acknowledges the existence of appropriate times to speak and times to remain silent. It reminds us that holding our tongues is not about being silent all the time, but rather discerning when to speak and when to refrain from speaking.
Wisdom lies in recognizing the right moments to share our thoughts, opinions, and feelings, and also in understanding when it is better to keep silent in order to maintain peace, respect others, and allow for productive dialogue.
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 teaches us that the words we speak have the power to defile us. It emphasizes that holding our tongues and speaking with purity and righteousness is more important than the physical things we consume.
By guarding our words and ensuring that they align with God’s commandments, we can avoid defiling our hearts and souls. It reminds us to speak words that edify, encourage, and bring glory to God, rather than words that defile, hurt, or degrade.
Proverbs 12:18
“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
This verse draws a stark contrast between the harmful, piercing words of those who speak rashly and the healing words of the wise. It reminds us that our words have the power to inflict pain or bring comfort and healing.
By holding our tongues and choosing our words wisely, we can contribute to the healing of broken relationships, offer support to those in need, and speak life-giving words that uplift and encourage others.
Proverbs 16:24
“Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”
This verse beautifully illustrates the impact of gracious words on our well-being. It compares them to the sweetness of honey, which brings nourishment, delight, and healing to the body and soul.
By holding our tongues and speaking words of grace, kindness, and encouragement, we can bring joy and refreshment to others. It serves as a reminder to choose words that build up and inspire, rather than tear down or discourage.
Proverbs 18:21
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”
This verse highlights the incredible power held within our tongues. It expresses that our words have the ability to bring either life or death, depending on how we use them.
By holding our tongues and speaking life-giving words, words that align with God’s truth and love, we can uplift, encourage, and inspire others. It reminds us to be mindful of the impact our words can have and to use them to bring life and blessing.
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.”
This verse emphasizes the significance of our words and the responsibility we have for what we speak. It teaches us that our words hold weight and will be evaluated by God.
By holding our tongues and speaking with intention and righteousness, we can avoid regret and ensure that our words align with God’s truth and love. It urges us to consider the eternal impact of our words and to use them wisely.
Psalm 141:3
“Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!”
This verse serves as a prayer, asking God to help us guard our mouths and keep our lips from speaking words that are sinful, hurtful, or unwise. It acknowledges our need for God’s guidance and assistance in our speech.
By holding our tongues and surrendering our speech to God, we invite Him to work in us, shaping our words and helping us align them with His will. It is a plea for self-control, humility, and a desire to honor God with our speech.
Proverbs 10:31
“The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off.”
This verse emphasizes the connection between righteousness and wise speech. It highlights that holding our tongues and speaking with wisdom is a characteristic of the righteous.
By choosing our words carefully, expressing godly wisdom, and avoiding perverse or corrupt speech, we demonstrate righteousness and bring honor to God. It reminds us of the importance of aligning our words with our faith and allowing God’s wisdom to guide our speech.
Proverbs 15:4
“A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.”
This verse illustrates the impact of our words on the lives of others. It compares a gentle tongue to a tree of life, which offers nourishment, growth, and vitality. Conversely, perverseness in speech is said to break the spirit.
By holding our tongues and speaking with gentleness and kindness, we can breathe life into others, offering encouragement, hope, and support. It reminds us to choose words that build up and bring healing, rather than words that tear down or wound.
Proverbs 25:11
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.”
This verse beautifully portrays the impact of well-chosen words. It likens them to golden apples set against a backdrop of silver, symbolizing their beauty and value.
By holding our tongues and speaking with wisdom, we have the potential to speak words that bring joy, beauty, and insight into the lives of others. It encourages us to carefully consider our words and use them to bless and inspire those around us.
Proverbs 31:26
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”
This verse describes the virtues of a wise and noble woman, highlighting her ability to speak with wisdom and kindness. It exemplifies the impact of holding our tongues and choosing our words carefully.
By cultivating wisdom and kindness in our speech, we can influence others positively, offering guidance, teaching, and love. It encourages us to let our words reflect the character of Christ and inspire others to do the same.
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.”
This verse sets a high standard for our speech. It admonishes us to refrain from corrupting talk and instead speak words that edify and build others up. It urges us to choose words that bring grace to those who hear.
By holding our tongues and intentionally selecting words that promote love, kindness, and encouragement, we can create an environment of grace and blessing. It reminds us to use our speech to reflect the love and truth of Christ.
Colossians 4:6
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”
This verse encourages us to season our speech with grace and wisdom, considering the needs and circumstances of those we interact with. It emphasizes the importance of choosing words that are appropriate and helpful.
By holding our tongues and intentionally speaking with grace and wisdom, we can respond to others in a way that brings glory to God. It reminds us to be mindful of the impact our words can have and to use them to bring light and understanding to those around us.
Proverbs 4:24
“Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you.”
This verse invites us to distance ourselves from deceitful and dishonest speech. It urges us to hold our tongues and reject talk that is crooked or devious.
By guarding our mouths and speaking truthfully, we can build trust, integrity, and authenticity in our relationships. It reminds us to align our speech with God’s standards and reject any form of speech that goes against His truth and righteousness.
Psalm 34:13
“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.”
This verse serves as a reminder to keep ourselves from speaking evil or engaging in deceitful speech. It urges us to hold our tongues and refrain from using our lips to promote falsehood or harm.
By choosing to speak truthfully and righteously, we can honor God and show love and respect to those around us. It encourages us to be people of integrity, whose words reflect the character of Christ.
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 prayer, asking God to guide our speech and the thoughts of our hearts. It acknowledges our dependence on God in aligning our words with His will.
By holding our tongues and surrendering our speech to God, we invite Him to shape our words and bring them into alignment with His truth and love. It reminds us to seek God’s approval in all that we say, reflecting His grace and glory in our speech.