In the Bible, the importance of controlling our speech is emphasized throughout various passages. Words have the power to build up and to tear down, and the Bible offers a wealth of wisdom about how we should use our words. The tongue, though small in size, holds great influence over our lives and relationships. Proverbs speaks about the tongue as being both a source of life and death, while James warns us about the dangers of an uncontrolled tongue. Learning to control our tongue is not only about avoiding sinful speech but also about speaking life, truth, and kindness.
This article will delve into 46 Bible verses that address controlling the tongue. By examining these verses, we can gain insight into how God expects us to manage our speech, offering us practical guidance on how to navigate daily interactions in a way that reflects His character.
1. James 3:5-6
“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. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.”
This passage from James vividly portrays the power of the tongue, comparing it to a fire capable of spreading destruction. The tongue, though small, can cause immense damage if left unchecked.
2. Proverbs 18:21
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
Here, the Bible highlights the profound impact of our words. Our speech can either uplift or destroy, and it is up to us to choose how we use it.
3. Proverbs 21:23
“Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.”
This verse reminds us that by controlling our speech, we can avoid unnecessary trouble. Guarding our words is essential for maintaining peace and avoiding conflict.
4. 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.”
In this verse, Jesus teaches us that we are accountable for every word that we speak. Our words have eternal significance, and we must use them wisely.
5. Psalm 141:3
“Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.”
This prayer from the Psalms asks God for help in controlling speech. It serves as a reminder that we need divine assistance to tame our tongues.
6. Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
This verse teaches us the importance of responding with kindness and gentleness. Our words have the power to defuse conflict or escalate it, depending on how we choose to speak.
7. Proverbs 12:18
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
Reckless words can cause harm and division, while wise words bring healing and peace. This verse emphasizes the power of our words to either hurt or heal.
8. 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.”
Paul urges believers to speak words that are constructive and beneficial to others. Our speech should reflect God’s love and be aimed at encouraging those around us.
9. Proverbs 10:19
“Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.”
This verse teaches us the importance of restraint in speech. Sometimes, it is better to remain silent than to speak hastily and cause harm.
10. Colossians 4:6
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
Paul encourages Christians to engage in speech that is gracious and thoughtful, knowing when and how to speak appropriately in every situation.
11. James 1:26
“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.”
James makes it clear that controlling our tongue is a key aspect of true religion. If we cannot control our speech, it reflects a lack of genuine faith.
12. Proverbs 17:27
“The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.”
This verse highlights the connection between wisdom and speech. Those who are wise understand the value of speaking carefully and with restraint.
13. Proverbs 13:3
“Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.”
Here, we are reminded that controlling our tongue is not only a matter of spiritual discipline but also a way to protect ourselves from harm.
14. 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 that the words we speak reveal the true condition of our hearts. It is not what we eat, but the words we utter, that can defile us.
15. Proverbs 29:20
“Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them.”
This verse warns against speaking impulsively. Hasty words can lead to regret and harm, and it is better to think before we speak.
16. Ecclesiastes 5:2
“Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of careful speech, particularly when addressing God. It teaches us humility and the need for thoughtful communication.
17. Proverbs 15:4
“The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”
A gentle and soothing tongue has the power to bring life and encouragement, while a harsh tongue can crush the spirit and bring discouragement.
18. Proverbs 25:11
“Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a ruling rightly given.”
This verse celebrates the value of well-chosen words, especially in situations where wisdom and authority are required.
19. Romans 14:19
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
Our speech should contribute to peace and unity, building up others rather than causing division or strife.
20. 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.'”
Peter emphasizes that those who seek to live a good life must watch their speech carefully, avoiding harmful or deceitful words.
21. Proverbs 26:28
“A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin.”
Lies and flattery have the potential to destroy relationships, and the Bible warns against using words that harm others.
22. Luke 6:45
“A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”
Jesus teaches us that the words we speak reflect the condition of our hearts. If we fill our hearts with good things, our speech will also reflect goodness.
23. Psalm 34:13
“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.”
This verse reiterates the importance of avoiding evil speech, including lying, which can cause great harm.
24. Proverbs 6:16-19
“There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”
Among the things that God hates, a lying tongue and words that stir up division stand out. The Bible teaches that speech should promote truth and unity.
25. Proverbs 16:24
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
Gracious speech has the power to heal and bring comfort, much like honey provides sweetness and nourishment.
26. Proverbs 10:32
“The lips of the righteous know what finds favor, but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse.”
The righteous know how to speak words that are pleasing to God, while the wicked speak words that are twisted and harmful.
27. Matthew 7:24-27
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”
While not directly about speech, this passage emphasizes the importance of applying Jesus’ words in our lives, including how we use our tongues.
28. James 1:19-20
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
This passage stresses the importance of listening more than speaking and avoiding hasty words that may lead to anger and unrighteousness.
29. Proverbs 27:5-6
“Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”
Sometimes, words of rebuke are necessary, but they should always come from a place of love and care, not from malice or deceit.
30. Ecclesiastes 3:7
“A time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak.”
There are moments when silence is golden, and moments when speaking is necessary. The key is knowing the difference.
31. 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.”
This prayer asks for God’s guidance in our speech, that our words may honor Him.
32. Proverbs 4:24
“Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.”
This verse highlights the need to avoid corrupt or immoral speech and encourages pure, righteous communication.
33. Luke 12:36-37
“Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him.”
This passage emphasizes preparedness and attentiveness, which includes the careful use of words.
34. Proverbs 27:9
“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.”
Words of wisdom and heartfelt advice are as pleasant and uplifting as a sweet fragrance.
35. Proverbs 20:19
“A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.”
Gossiping is harmful and betrays trust. This verse advises us to be careful about who we listen to and speak with.
36. Matthew 5:37
“All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”
This verse teaches us the importance of speaking clearly and truthfully without unnecessary embellishment.
37. Romans 3:13-14
“Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit. The poison of vipers is on their lips. Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”
Paul describes the evil speech of the wicked, warning us to avoid such behavior and to speak words of truth and kindness instead.
38. Ecclesiastes 5:6
“Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, ‘My vow was a mistake.’ Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands?”
This passage warns against making vows or promises hastily with our words, especially when we are not sincere.
39. 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.”
Paul encourages Christians to rid their speech of negative traits such as slander and filthy language, which hinder our witness.
40. Proverbs 15:28
“The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.”
The righteous take time to carefully consider their words, while the wicked speak impulsively and recklessly.
41. Psalm 37:30
“The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak what is just.”
This verse emphasizes that those who are righteous speak wisely and justly, reflecting God’s character in their words.
42. Proverbs 12:25
“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.”
Kind words can uplift and encourage, bringing comfort to those who are anxious or troubled.
43. Psalm 34:12-13
“Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.”
This verse connects our speech with the quality of our lives, reminding us that good days are the result of righteous speech.
44. Isaiah 50:4
“The Sovereign LORD has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary.”
God offers His guidance in speech, giving us the words that sustain and encourage others.
45. Psalm 119:11
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
By storing God’s word in our hearts, we are better equipped to speak words that honor Him.
46. 1 Timothy 5:13
“Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also they are gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to.”
Paul warns against gossiping and idleness, encouraging believers to speak purposefully and avoid spreading rumors.
Conclusion
These 46 Bible verses underscore the importance of controlling our tongues. Words hold immense power, and by aligning our speech with God’s will, we can promote peace, wisdom, and life. Let us heed the advice of Scripture and seek God’s help in taming our tongues for His glory.
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