Words have the power to build up or tear down, and the Bible has plenty to say about how we should use our speech. Hurtful words can cause lasting damage, but Scripture encourages us to speak words that bring life and healing. Let’s explore how we can follow biblical wisdom when it comes to our words.
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What Does The Bible Say About Hurtful Words
Proverbs 12:18
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
This verse reminds us of the power our words hold. Reckless and hurtful words have the ability to harm others deeply, just like a sharp sword. On the other hand, the tongue of the wise can bring healing and restoration. It encourages us to choose our words carefully, speaking with wisdom and kindness, to bring healing to those around us.
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Our response to hurtful words is crucial. When we respond with gentleness and kindness, it has the power to diffuse anger and conflict. However, responding with harsh and hurtful words only escalates the situation. This verse teaches us the importance of choosing our words wisely, even in the face of provocation, in order to promote peace and understanding.
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 immense power our words possess. We have the ability to speak life and encouragement into others, but we also have the power to bring harm and destruction through our words. It reminds us to be mindful of the impact our words can have, and to use them to build others up rather than tear them down.
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.”
Jesus teaches us that what we speak is of great importance. Our words reflect the condition of our hearts. It’s not the food that we eat that defiles us, but the hurtful and unkind words that come out of our mouths. This verse encourages us to guard our speech and ensure that the words we speak are filled with love, grace, and kindness.
Proverbs 16:24
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
Our words have the power to bring comfort and healing. Just as honey is sweet to the taste, gracious words bring sweetness to the soul and promote healing. This verse reminds us of the importance of using our words to encourage, uplift, and comfort others in their time of need.
Proverbs 26:20
“Without wood, a fire goes out; without a gossip, a quarrel dies down.”
Gossip and hurtful words only fuel conflict and strife. This verse teaches us that if we choose not to engage in gossip or spread hurtful words, we have the power to diffuse arguments and maintain peace. It reminds us to be cautious with our speech and avoid engaging in conversations that only serve to instigate conflict.
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.”
To avoid speaking hurtful words, it is crucial that we first practice active listening. This verse instructs us to be quick to listen, patient in our responses, and slow to anger. By practicing these virtues, we can prevent ourselves from impulsively speaking words that may cause harm to others.
Proverbs 15:4
“The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”
Our words have the power to bring life or crush the spirit. When we speak words of comfort, encouragement, and kindness, it brings healing and uplifts others. However, when our words are filled with negativity, criticism, or cruelty, they have the opposite effect. This verse reminds us to choose our words carefully, as they have a profound impact on the hearts of those who hear them.
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.”
As Christians, we are called to speak words that bring life and edification. This verse encourages us to be mindful of the words we speak, ensuring that they are helpful and beneficial to those who hear them. It reminds us to use our words as a means of uplifting and encouraging others rather than tearing them down.
Proverbs 17:9
“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and preserving relationships. Instead of dwelling on hurtful words or offenses, we are encouraged to cover them with love and choose not to repeat them. By doing so, we promote unity, forgiveness, and maintain the bonds of friendship.
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.”
Our words have eternal consequences. This verse serves as a reminder that we will be held accountable for every word we speak. It encourages us to be mindful of the impact our words can have, both in this life and in eternity. It challenges us to speak words that honor God and bring life to others.
Proverbs 10:19
“Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.”
This verse reminds us that engaging in lengthy arguments or speaking recklessly does not resolve conflicts or mend broken relationships. Instead, it encourages us to exercise wisdom and self-control by holding our tongues. By choosing silence rather than hurtful words, we create space for resolution and promote peace.
Psalm 141:3
“Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.”
Recognizing the power of our words, this verse is a plea to God for guidance and protection over our speech. It acknowledges our need for divine intervention in guarding our words, ensuring that they are uplifting and beneficial. It serves as a reminder of our dependence on God to help us control our tongues.
Proverbs 21:23
“Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.”
This verse highlights the importance of controlling our speech. By guarding our mouths and tongues, we protect ourselves from causing harm and inviting calamity into our lives. It reminds us to exercise self-restraint and choose our words carefully to avoid unnecessary consequences.
Colossians 4:6
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
As Christians, our conversations should be marked by grace and kindness. This verse encourages us to speak words that are seasoned with love and wisdom, enabling us to respond to others in a way that reflects Christ’s character. It reminds us that our words have the power to influence and guide others toward truth.
Proverbs 12:25
“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.”
In moments of distress, a kind and comforting word can bring immense encouragement. This verse reminds us of the impact our words can have on someone’s emotional well-being. By speaking words of kindness and compassion, we have the ability to uplift and bring hope to those who are burdened with anxiety or sadness.
Matthew 5:44
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
When we are faced with hurtful words from others, this verse challenges us to respond with love and prayer. Instead of harboring resentment or seeking revenge, we are called to extend forgiveness and compassion to our enemies. It reminds us that even in difficult situations, our words should reflect the love and grace of Christ.
Proverbs 15:28
“The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of thoughtful and measured responses. It encourages the righteous to consider their words carefully, ensuring that they are wise and edifying. In contrast, the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil and hurtful words. It serves as a reminder for us to speak with intentionality and wisdom.
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.”
Our words have the power to either honor God or dishonor Him. This verse warns against speaking both praises and curses with the same mouth. It reminds us that our words hold great influence and encourages us to choose words that reflect the character of God and show respect for others, who are made in His image.
Proverbs 25:11
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.”
Well-spoken words have beauty and value, just like golden apples in a silver setting. This verse prompts us to choose words that are timely, appropriate, and beneficial. By doing so, we can bring joy, encouragement, and inspiration to the hearts of those who hear our words.
Titus 3:2
“…to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.”
This verse encourages us to speak words that promote peace, kindness, and consideration. It reminds us to avoid speaking ill of others and instead show gentleness to everyone we encounter. By doing so, we can foster an atmosphere of harmony and goodwill in our relationships.
Proverbs 11:17
“Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.”
This verse highlights the positive impact of kind words. Choosing to speak with kindness and compassion not only benefits those who hear them but also brings blessings to ourselves. Conversely, speaking cruelly only leads to ruin. It serves as a reminder for us to prioritize kindness in our speech, for the benefit of both others and ourselves.