Our words have power, and the Bible reminds us to use them wisely. Today, we’ll explore what Scripture says about the importance of speaking with kindness and truth.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Putting God First
What Does The Bible Say About Speaking
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 impact of our words. Our words have the power to bring life and encouragement or death and destruction. It reminds us to be mindful of the words we speak and the impact they can have on others and ourselves.
Our words have consequences and can shape our relationships, attitudes, and actions. This verse serves as a reminder to choose our words wisely, speaking words of life, kindness, and encouragement to others.
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
This verse highlights the importance of responding to others with gentleness and kindness. When faced with conflict or confrontation, responding in a gentle and understanding manner can diffuse tension and promote peace.
Conversely, reacting with harsh words can escalate the situation and provoke anger. This verse encourages us to pause, consider our words, and respond with a gentle demeanor, seeking reconciliation and understanding.
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 emphasizes the importance of active listening and self-control when it comes to our speech. It reminds us to prioritize understanding others before expressing our own opinions or frustrations.
By being quick to listen, we demonstrate empathy and respect for others’ perspectives. Being slow to speak and slow to become angry allows us to respond thoughtfully and rationally, promoting effective communication and fostering healthier relationships.
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 directs us to be intentional about the words we speak. Our speech should be edifying and beneficial, aimed at uplifting others and meeting their specific needs.
It encourages us to refrain from using words that are harmful, negative, or destructive. Instead, we should choose words that bring encouragement, comfort, and healing, reflecting the love and grace of Christ in our interactions with others.
Proverbs 21:23
“Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of exercising self-control over our speech. It reminds us that by being mindful of the words we speak, we can prevent unnecessary trouble or negative consequences.
Guarding our mouths and tongues entails being cautious of gossip, slander, and hurtful words. By choosing our words wisely, we can maintain healthier relationships, avoid conflicts, and preserve our own well-being.
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 passage from Matthew serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of our words. It emphasizes that we will be held accountable for every word we speak, particularly for those that are devoid of meaning and truth.
Our words have eternal consequences, and they reflect the condition of our hearts. Therefore, it is imperative that we strive to speak words that honor God, edify others, and align with His truth, knowing that our words can lead to either our acquittal or condemnation.
Psalm 19:14
“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
In this verse, the psalmist prays for the alignment of both their words and their internal thoughts with God’s will. They seek for their words to be acceptable and pleasing to the Lord, recognizing Him as their ultimate source of strength and salvation.
It serves as a reminder for us to constantly evaluate our hearts and minds to ensure that our words reflect the character of God and bring glory to Him. It challenges us to seek His guidance and empower us to speak with love, truth, and wisdom.
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 believers to approach their conversations with others in a manner characterized by grace, kindness, and wisdom. It reminds us to choose our words carefully, ensuring that they are seasoned with the flavor of salt, which signifies wisdom and attractiveness.
By speaking with grace and seasoning our words with wisdom, we can effectively engage with others, addressing their questions, concerns, or objections in a loving and compelling manner that points them to the truth of the gospel.
Proverbs 16:24
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
This verse portrays the power of gracious words in bringing sweetness and healing to others. Just as honey is a delight to the taste buds, gracious words act as a balm to the weary soul, providing comfort, encouragement, and restoration.
When we speak with kindness and compassion, our words have the potential to mend broken hearts and uplift spirits. This verse reminds us of the importance of using our words to bring healing and refreshment to those around us.
Proverbs 12:18
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
This verse draws a contrast between the destructive power of reckless words and the healing impact of wise and thoughtful speech. Reckless words can inflict deep wounds upon others, causing lasting damage to relationships and self-esteem.
On the other hand, wise and discerning words have the ability to bring healing and restoration. By speaking with wisdom, we can use our words to reconcile, uplift, and build up those around us, fostering an atmosphere of love and harmony.
Matthew 5:37
“All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”
In this verse, Jesus encourages His followers to be people of integrity and truthfulness in their communication. He advises against making unnecessary and exaggerated oaths, emphasizing the importance of simplicity and honesty in our speech.
By being truthful and dependable in our words, we reflect the character of God, who is the embodiment of truth. This verse calls us to be people who speak with integrity and sincerity, avoiding any deceit or manipulation in our communication.
Proverbs 10:19
“Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.”
This verse emphasizes the value of restraint and discretion in our speech. It reminds us that excessive talking does not resolve or absolve sin, but rather, it can often lead to further trouble or complications.
Instead, exercising self-control over our words and knowing when to remain silent can prevent unnecessary conflict or escalation. By choosing to hold our tongues, we can avoid speaking rashly or impulsively and maintain peace in our relationships.
Proverbs 17:27-28
“The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.”
This passage highlights the importance of wisdom and self-control in our speech. It emphasizes that those who possess knowledge and understanding are measured in their words, exhibiting restraint and composure.
Furthermore, it suggests that even remaining silent can lead others to perceive us as wise and discerning. This verse encourages us to value wisdom and discernment in our communication, prioritizing thoughtful speech and avoiding unnecessary chatter.
Psalm 141:3
“Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.”
The psalmist’s prayer in this verse acknowledges the need for God’s guidance and protection over their speech. They recognize the potential for their words to cause harm or lead them astray.
This verse prompts us to invite God to govern our speech, seeking His wisdom and guidance to ensure that our words align with His will. It reminds us of our dependence on Him to help us guard our mouths and speak in ways that honor Him and bless others.
Psalm 34:13
“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.”
This verse serves as a straightforward call to integrity and truthfulness in our speech. It urges us to refrain from speaking evil or uttering falsehoods, recognizing that our words carry weight and influence.
By striving to maintain purity and honesty in our speech, we reflect the character of God, who is holy and truthful. This verse encourages us to be people of integrity, who speak words that build up and bring honor to Him.
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.”
In this verse, believers are urged to remove negative and destructive speech from their lives. It calls for the elimination of anger, slander, profanity, and harmful communication patterns from our speech.
By letting go of these negative traits and attitudes, we create space for words that bring life, love, and reconciliation. This verse urges us to embrace a transformation in our speech, aligning it with the purity and goodness of Christ.
Psalm 19:1
“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
In this verse, the psalmist offers a prayer that their words and inner thoughts would be pleasing to God, acknowledging Him as their source of strength and salvation.
It reminds us of the importance of aligning our hearts and minds with God’s truth so that our words may reflect His character. It prompts us to be intentional about our speech, seeking to honor and please the Lord in all we say.
Ephesians 5:4
“Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.”
This verse encourages believers to abandon crude language and inappropriate humor. It reminds us that our words should be characterized by gratitude and edification rather than by obscenity and foolishness.
By choosing to speak words of thanksgiving and praise, we demonstrate our commitment to living a life that honors God and blesses others. This verse calls us to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and grace in our speech.
Proverbs 13:3
“Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.”
This verse underscores the importance of exercising caution and self-control in our speech. It highlights that those who are intentional about guarding their lips and choosing their words wisely protect themselves from unnecessary harm or negative consequences.
Conversely, speaking rashly or without thought can result in ruin or destruction. This verse serves as a reminder to be mindful of the potential impact of our words and to use them responsibly, preserving our own well-being and that of 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.”
In this verse, believers are encouraged to refrain from using their words to speak evil or to deceive others. It suggests that by guarding our speech and choosing honesty, we experience the blessings of a fulfilling and joyful life.
This verse urges us to prioritize integrity and truthfulness in our communication, recognizing that it aligns with God’s desire for us to live abundantly and in harmony with one another.
Proverbs 15:4
“The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”
This verse illustrates the contrasting effects of our words. A soothing tongue, characterized by gentleness and kind words, brings life and nourishment to others, much like a fruitful tree.
On the other hand, a perverse or hurtful tongue crushes the spirit, inflicting emotional pain and damage. This verse highlights the importance of speaking with kindness and grace, recognizing the power of our words to either build up or tear down those around us.
Proverbs 25:11
“A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.”
This verse portrays the value and beauty of well-timed and fitting words. It compares such words to precious treasures adorned in exquisite silver settings.
Just as apples of gold in settings of silver catch the eye and captivate the heart, a word spoken at the right moment and in the right manner has the power to inspire and uplift. This verse prompts us to be intentional about our speech, using our words to bring beauty and blessings to others.
James 3:2
“We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.”
This verse acknowledges that we all make mistakes in our speech and that controlling our tongues is a challenging task. It reminds us that only those who are able to consistently speak without fault are considered perfect.
While perfection in speech is unattainable, this verse encourages us to be mindful of our words and to strive to align them with the truth and love of God. It calls us to continually grow in our ability to control our speech and to speak in ways that bring glory to Him.
Proverbs 27:6
“Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”
In this verse, the importance of genuine and truthful communication is highlighted. It suggests that the wounds or corrections received from a true friend, though they may sting, can be trusted and are ultimately for our benefit.
Conversely, flattery and insincere words from an enemy may appear pleasant but ultimately lead to harm. This verse reminds us of the value of honest and loving words, even if they are difficult to hear, as they come from those who truly care for our well-being.
Psalm 141:3
“Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!”
In this verse, the psalmist acknowledges their need for the Lord’s help in controlling their speech. They pray for God’s guidance and protection, recognizing that He alone can enable them to speak with wisdom and discernment.
This verse serves as a reminder to surrender our speech to God, seeking His wisdom and direction in our communication. It prompts us to invite Him to shape our words, knowing that He can guard our mouths and guide us to speak in a way that honors Him.