The Bible often speaks about the power of the tongue, emphasizing its ability to both uplift and harm.
Words carry immense weight, and understanding what Scripture says about the tongue can guide us in using our speech wisely.
This blog delves into key Bible verses about the tongue, offering explanations to help you see the importance of thoughtful and kind communication.
Whether it’s to encourage, correct, or simply share, the Bible’s wisdom on the tongue teaches us to be mindful of our words and their impact on others.
Also See:
- Prayers about The Tongue (With Scriptures to Back)
- Affirmations About The Tongue
- Funny Bible Verses (With Explanation)
Bible Verses About The Tongue
1. James 3:5-6
“So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.”
The tongue, though small, has immense power. Just like a tiny spark can ignite a large forest fire, our words can cause significant harm.
James warns us about the destructive potential of our speech, highlighting that careless or malicious words can corrupt our whole being and disrupt our lives.
This passage calls for careful and mindful use of our words to prevent unnecessary damage.
2. Proverbs 18:21
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”
This verse underscores the immense power words hold, capable of bringing life or death. It suggests that those who understand this power will experience the consequences of their words.
Speaking wisely and positively can bring about good outcomes, while careless or harmful speech can lead to destructive consequences. The call here is to recognize and respect the power of our words.
3. 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.”
Paul encourages believers to use their words for edification and grace. This means avoiding negative, harmful, or corrupt speech and instead focusing on words that build others up and are appropriate for the situation.
By doing so, our speech can be a source of encouragement and grace, benefiting those who listen.
4. Proverbs 15:1
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
This proverb highlights the calming effect of gentle words versus the provoking nature of harsh words.
Responding with kindness and gentleness can defuse tense situations and prevent conflict, while aggressive or harsh speech tends to escalate anger and disputes.
It emphasizes the importance of a measured and thoughtful response in our interactions.
5. 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.”
Jesus teaches that our words have eternal significance. We will be held accountable for every thoughtless or careless word spoken.
This serves as a sobering reminder of the power of our speech and the importance of using words responsibly and righteously. Our speech can either justify or condemn us, highlighting the need for mindfulness in our communication.
6. Proverbs 21:23
“Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.”
This verse advises caution and self-control in speech. We can avoid many troubles and conflicts by being mindful of what we say and refraining from unnecessary or harmful words.
It underscores the protective benefit of wise and controlled speech, encouraging us to think before we speak.
7. Colossians 4:6
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”
Paul advises believers to ensure their speech is always gracious and seasoned with salt, implying that our words should be both kind and wise.
This balance helps us respond appropriately and effectively to everyone we encounter. It highlights the importance of thoughtful and respectful communication in all interactions.
8. Proverbs 12:18
“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
Rash words can cause deep wounds, much like a sword, while wise words have the power to heal and bring comfort.
This contrast emphasizes the destructive potential of careless speech and the restorative power of wise and thoughtful words. It encourages us to speak with wisdom and care, aiming to heal rather than harm.
9. Psalm 34:13
“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.”
The Psalmist urges us to guard our speech, avoiding evil and deceitful words. This involves a commitment to honesty and integrity in our communication. By doing so, we maintain purity in our speech and contribute to a more truthful and trustworthy environment.
10. James 1:26
“If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.”
James emphasizes the importance of controlling our tongues as an integral part of genuine faith. If we fail to control our speech, our religious practices and beliefs are rendered meaningless.
This underscores the connection between our words and the authenticity of our faith, highlighting the need for self-discipline in our speech.
11. Proverbs 10:19
“When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.”
This proverb highlights the potential for sin when we talk excessively. Abundant speech often leads to mistakes and wrongdoing, whereas restraint in our words is a sign of wisdom.
It encourages us to speak less and listen more, valuing thoughtful and measured communication.
12. 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.”
Jesus teaches that our speech, more than our dietary habits, reflects our inner purity. What we say can defile us if it is corrupt or harmful, as our words reveal the state of our hearts.
This emphasizes the moral and spiritual significance of our speech and the need for purity in our words.
13. Proverbs 17:27
“Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.”
Restraint in speech is a sign of knowledge and understanding. By controlling our words and maintaining a calm demeanor, we demonstrate wisdom and comprehension.
This verse highlights the value of thoughtful and measured communication, promoting self-control and calmness.
14. 1 Peter 3:10
“For whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit.”
Peter echoes the Psalmist’s call to avoid evil and deceitful speech as a pathway to a fulfilling and blessed life. By guarding our words and speaking truthfully, we align ourselves with a life of goodness and integrity. This verse underscores the positive impact of righteous speech on our well-being.
15. Proverbs 13:3
“Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.”
This proverb emphasizes the protective power of guarded speech. By being careful with our words, we can avoid many pitfalls and dangers, whereas careless speech can lead to ruin. It highlights the importance of self-control and caution in our communication.
16. Titus 3:2
“To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.”
Paul instructs believers to refrain from speaking evil, avoid quarrels, and exhibit gentleness and courtesy in all interactions. This comprehensive approach to speech and behavior promotes peace and respect, fostering positive relationships and harmony within the community.
17. Proverbs 16:24
“Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”
Gracious words have a profound impact, bringing sweetness and healing to those who hear them. This comparison to honeycomb underscores the nourishing and restorative power of kind and positive speech. It encourages us to use our words to uplift and heal others.
18. Psalm 141:3
“Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!”
The Psalmist prays for divine assistance in controlling his speech. This acknowledges the difficulty of managing our words and seeks God’s help in maintaining pure and righteous speech. It reflects a desire for divine guidance in our communication.
19. Proverbs 31:26
“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”
This verse describes the virtuous woman whose speech is characterized by wisdom and kindness. It highlights the admirable qualities of thoughtful and compassionate communication, serving as a model for how we should strive to speak.
20. 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.”
The Psalmist expresses a desire for his words and thoughts to be pleasing to God. This reflects a holistic approach to righteousness, where both our speech and our inner meditations are aligned with divine standards. It emphasizes the importance of integrity in both words and thoughts.
21. Proverbs 15:4
“A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.”
Gentle and kind speech brings life and vitality, much like a tree of life. In contrast, perverse and harmful speech can crush and break the spirit. This verse highlights the contrasting impacts of gentle versus harmful words, encouraging us to choose speech that uplifts and nurtures.
22. Ecclesiastes 5:2
“Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few.”
This verse advises against hasty and thoughtless speech, especially in the presence of God. Recognizing the divine majesty and our human limitations, we are encouraged to speak sparingly and with reverence. It underscores the importance of humility and thoughtfulness in our communication with God.
23. Proverbs 25:11
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.”
This proverb compares well-chosen words to valuable and beautiful objects, highlighting the beauty and worth of timely and appropriate speech.
It underscores the impact and value of saying the right thing at the right time, encouraging us to strive for wisdom and discernment in our words.
24. Psalm 39:1
“I said, ‘I will guard my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle, so long as the wicked are in my presence.'”
The Psalmist commits to guarding his speech to avoid sin, especially in the presence of the wicked. This reflects a proactive approach to righteous speech, recognizing the potential for sin in our words and taking steps to prevent it. It emphasizes the importance of vigilance and self-control in our communication.
25. Proverbs 29:20
“Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.”
Hasty speech is likened to foolishness, suggesting that impulsive and thoughtless words are detrimental. This verse warns against quick, unconsidered speech, advocating for thoughtful and deliberate communication. It highlights the value of patience and reflection in our words.
26. Proverbs 10:31
“The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off.”
Righteous speech is associated with wisdom, while perverse speech leads to destruction. This contrast underscores the beneficial outcomes of speaking wisely and the negative consequences of corrupt speech. It encourages us to align our words with righteousness and wisdom.
27. Job 27:4
“My lips will not speak falsehood, and my tongue will not utter deceit.”
Job commits to honesty and integrity in his speech, refusing to speak falsehood or deceit. This reflects a dedication to truthfulness, even in difficult circumstances. It highlights the importance of maintaining honesty and integrity in our words.
28. Proverbs 11:12
“Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent.”
Belittling others is seen as foolish, while silence is associated with understanding. This verse encourages us to refrain from demeaning speech and to value silence and understanding. It underscores the importance of respecting others in our communication.
29. Psalm 120:2
“Deliver me, O Lord, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue.”
The Psalmist prays for deliverance from lying and deceitful speech. This reflects a desire for purity and honesty in communication, seeking divine help to overcome the temptation to lie or deceive. It emphasizes the importance of truthful and righteous speech.
30. Proverbs 26:20
“For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.”
This proverb likens gossip and whispering to fuel a fire, suggesting that without it, conflict and quarreling will die down. It highlights the destructive nature of gossip and the peace that comes from refraining from it. It encourages us to avoid spreading rumors and engaging in harmful speech.
Conclusion
Reflecting on the Bible verses about the tongue reminds us of our words’ profound influence on ourselves and those around us.
By embracing these scriptures’ guidance, we can cultivate a habit of speaking with love, truth, and kindness.
Let’s strive to use our words to build up rather than tear down, recognizing that the tongue, though small, wields great power. May we be inspired to speak wisely and thoughtfully, honoring the biblical call to let our words reflect the goodness and grace we receive.