The tongue has the power to bless or harm, and the Bible speaks about the importance of controlling it. Today, let’s see how Scripture encourages us to speak wisely and use our words for good.
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What Does The Bible Say About The Tounge
Proverbs 15:4
“A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, But perverseness in it breaks the spirit.”
This verse emphasizes the power of our words to bring life and healing or destruction and harm. Our tongue holds the ability to build others up or tear them down. It reminds us of the importance of speaking words of kindness, encouragement, and truth.
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.”
Our words may seem insignificant, but they hold immense power. Just as a tiny spark can ignite a massive wildfire, our words have the potential to cause great harm. This verse urges us to be mindful of the impact our tongue can have and to use it wisely.
Proverbs 21:23
“Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of self-control in our speech. When we choose our words carefully and guard our tongue, we can avoid many unnecessary troubles and conflicts. It encourages us to practice restraint and choose our words wisely.
Proverbs 10:19
“In the multitude of words, sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise.”
This verse highlights the danger of speaking too much, as it increases the likelihood of sinning with our words. It prompts us to exercise wisdom by being mindful of the quantity and quality of our speech. Restraining our lips demonstrates wisdom and helps us avoid unnecessary troubles.
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 serves as a reminder of the accountability we have for the words we speak. It warns us that even our idle or careless words have consequences. It prompts us to be mindful of the weight our words carry and to use them responsibly.
Proverbs 18:21
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.”
This powerful verse speaks to the tremendous impact our words can have. Our tongue holds the power to speak death or life into the lives of others. It encourages us to use our words to speak life, blessings, and encouragement, as we will reap the fruit of our speech.
Proverbs 12:18
“There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health.”
This verse highlights the contrasting effects of our words. Some words spoken in anger or malice can wound deeply, causing pain and division. On the other hand, the wise use of our tongue can bring healing and restoration. It encourages us to be mindful of the impact our words can have on others.
Colossians 4:6
“Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”
This verse calls us to watch our speech, ensuring that our words are filled with grace and kindness. Our words should be seasoned with the preserving influence of salt, reflecting wisdom, kindness, and respect. It urges us to respond to others in a manner that reflects Christ’s love.
Proverbs 16:24
“Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.”
This verse beautifully illustrates the impact of pleasant words. Just as honey brings sweetness and healing, our words, when spoken with gentleness and kindness, can bring comfort and encouragement. It serves as a reminder of the power our words hold to uplift and bless others.
Psalm 141:3
“Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.”
This verse is a prayer for God’s help in controlling our speech. It acknowledges our need for His guidance in watching over our words and asks for His intervention to keep us from speaking anything that could cause harm or dishonor. It reminds us to surrender our speech to God’s authority.
Ephesians 4:29
“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.”
This verse encourages us to be mindful of our speech, ensuring that our words build others up and bring grace. It reminds us to avoid speaking anything that is corrupt or hurtful and instead focus on using our words to encourage and edify one another.
Proverbs 13:3
“He who guards his mouth preserves his life, But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of self-control in our speech. When we exercise caution, guarding our mouth and speaking with discretion, we protect ourselves from unnecessary harm. It reminds us of the potential consequences of speaking rashly or without restraint.
Psalm 34:13
“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.”
This verse highlights the value of integrity and honesty in our speech. It encourages us to refrain from speaking falsehoods or engaging in gossip, reminding us to use our words to bring truth and encouragement, not to harm or deceive.
Proverbs 26:21
“As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife.”
This verse warns against the dangers of a contentious and argumentative nature. Just as charcoal fuels a fire, a person who constantly stirs up conflict and disagreement can escalate strife and division. It reminds us of the importance of promoting peace and harmony with our words.
Proverbs 17:27
“He who has knowledge spares his words, And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.”
This verse highlights the value of wisdom and restraint in our speech. It encourages us to think before speaking and to choose our words carefully. Those who possess knowledge and understanding are often characterized by a calm and composed spirit, avoiding unnecessary conflicts.
Matthew 15:18
“But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man.”
This verse reminds us that our words are a reflection of our heart’s condition. It emphasizes the importance of cultivating a pure heart, filled with love and righteousness, as it will be evident in the way we speak. It prompts us to examine our hearts and align them with God’s will.
Psalm 19:14
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.”
This verse is a prayer for God’s guidance and purification of our speech. It acknowledges our dependence on Him to help us choose words that honor and please Him. It reminds us to surrender not only our speech but also the thoughts and intentions of our heart to the Lord.
Proverbs 15:1
“A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.”
This verse emphasizes the power of gentleness and humility in diffusing conflicts. Responding with a soft and calm approach can often defuse anger and promote understanding. It reminds us of the importance of choosing our words wisely when faced with challenging situations.
Colossians 3:8
“But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.”
This verse encourages us to rid ourselves of harmful speech patterns that do not align with our identity as followers of Christ. It prompts us to reject anger, malice, blasphemy, and any form of impure language. It reminds us to strive for purity and righteousness in our speech.
Matthew 5:37
“But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.”
This verse calls us to practice integrity and honesty in our speech. It encourages us to be people of our word, keeping our promises and speaking truthfully. It reminds us that any form of deception or manipulation is from the evil one and should be avoided.
Proverbs 29:20
“Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.”
This verse warns against speaking impulsively without considering the consequences. It reminds us that those who speak hastily often bring about trouble and foolishness. It urges us to be patient in our speech and to think before we speak.
Psalm 141:3
“Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.”
This verse is a prayer for God’s help in controlling our speech. It acknowledges our need for His guidance in watching over our words and asks for His intervention to keep us from speaking anything that could cause harm or dishonor. It reminds us to surrender our speech to God’s authority.
Ephesians 4:29
“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.”
This verse encourages us to be mindful of our speech, ensuring that our words build others up and bring grace. It reminds us to avoid speaking anything that is corrupt or hurtful and instead focus on using our words to encourage and edify one another.
Proverbs 13:3
“He who guards his mouth preserves his life, But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of self-control in our speech. When we exercise caution, guarding our mouth and speaking with discretion, we protect ourselves from unnecessary harm. It reminds us of the potential consequences of speaking rashly or without restraint.
Psalm 34:13
“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.”
This verse highlights the value of integrity and honesty in our speech. It encourages us to refrain from speaking falsehoods or engaging in gossip, reminding us to use our words to bring truth and encouragement, not to harm or deceive.
Proverbs 26:21
“As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife.”
This verse warns against the dangers of a contentious and argumentative nature. Just as charcoal fuels a fire, a person who constantly stirs up conflict and disagreement can escalate strife and division. It reminds us of the importance of promoting peace and harmony with our words.
Proverbs 17:27
“He who has knowledge spares his words, And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.”
This verse highlights the value of wisdom and restraint in our speech. It encourages us to think before speaking and to choose our words carefully. Those who possess knowledge and understanding are often characterized by a calm and composed spirit, avoiding unnecessary conflicts.
Matthew 15:18
“But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man.”
This verse reminds us that our words are a reflection of our heart’s condition. It emphasizes the importance of cultivating a pure heart, filled with love and righteousness, as it will be evident in the way we speak. It prompts us to examine our hearts and align them with God’s will.
Psalm 19:14
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.”
This verse is a prayer for God’s guidance and purification of our speech. It acknowledges our dependence on Him to help us choose words that honor and please Him. It reminds us to surrender not only our speech but also the thoughts and intentions of our heart to the Lord.
Proverbs 15:1
“A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.”
This verse emphasizes the power of gentleness and humility in diffusing conflicts. Responding with a soft and calm approach can often defuse anger and promote understanding. It reminds us of the importance of choosing our words wisely when faced with challenging situations.
Colossians 3:8
“But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.”
This verse encourages us to rid ourselves of harmful speech patterns that do not align with our identity as followers of Christ. It prompts us to reject anger, malice, blasphemy, and any form of impure language. It reminds us to strive for purity and righteousness in our speech.
Matthew 5:37
“But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.”
This verse calls us to practice integrity and honesty in our speech. It encourages us to be people of our word, keeping our promises and speaking truthfully. It reminds us that any form of deception or manipulation is from the evil one and should be avoided.
Proverbs 29:20
“Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.”
This verse warns against speaking impulsively without considering the consequences. It reminds us that those who speak hastily often bring about trouble and foolishness. It urges us to be patient in our speech and to think before we speak.