The Bible contains numerous verses that provide guidance and wisdom regarding the use of our tongues. From the power of words to the importance of speaking truth and love, these verses illuminate the significance of our speech.
This collection of 30 Bible verses, accompanied by brief commentary, serves as a source of reflection and inspiration on the theme of the tongue as an instrument that can be used for good or evil against the devil and his cohorts.
Bible Verse About The Tongue
Proverbs 18:21 (NIV):
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
This foundational verse sets the tone, highlighting the profound impact our words can have on ourselves and others, both for good and for harm.
Proverbs 15:1 (NIV):
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
This verse emphasizes the power of a gentle response, illustrating the influence our words have in diffusing conflict or escalating tension.
James 3:5 (NIV):
“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.”
This vivid imagery highlights the potential for significant impact, whether positive or destructive, that emanates from the small yet powerful tongue.
Proverbs 21:23 (NIV):
“Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.”
The importance of exercising caution with our words is emphasized, suggesting that thoughtful speech is a safeguard against unnecessary trouble.
Ephesians 4:29 (NIV):
“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 calls for intentional and uplifting speech, highlighting the transformative power of words in building up and benefiting others.
Proverbs 10:19 (NIV):
“Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.”
The wisdom of restraint is underscored in this verse, emphasizing that unnecessary words do not bring an end to sin, but prudence does.
Colossians 4:6 (NIV):
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
A beautiful metaphor, this verse encourages believers to speak graciously, adding a seasoning of salt that enhances the flavor of their conversations and interactions.
Proverbs 12:18 (NIV):
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
A vivid contrast between harmful and healing speech, illustrating the power of words to wound or to bring restoration and healing.
James 1:26 (NIV):
“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.”
This verse underscores the inseparable link between genuine faith and the control of one’s speech, emphasizing the importance of aligning our words with our beliefs.
Proverbs 17:28 (NIV):
“Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.”
Highlighting the value of silence, this verse suggests that refraining from speaking can sometimes be a mark of wisdom, even for those who might otherwise be considered fools.
Matthew 12:36 (NIV):
“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 sobering reminder of the accountability attached to our words, emphasizing the importance of mindful and purposeful speech.
Psalm 141:3 (NIV):
“Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.”
A prayer for divine guidance in speech, recognizing the need for God’s help in controlling the words that come forth from our mouths.
Proverbs 15:4 (NIV):
“The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”
Drawing a powerful analogy, this verse illustrates the life-giving impact of words that bring comfort and healing versus the crushing effect of harmful speech.
Ecclesiastes 5:2 (NIV):
“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.”
In the context of prayer, this verse encourages thoughtful and measured speech, recognizing the reverence due when addressing the Almighty.
Proverbs 16:24 (NIV):
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
The sweetness and healing power of gracious words are poetically portrayed in this verse, emphasizing their positive impact on both emotions and physical well-being.
Matthew 15:11 (NIV):
“What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.”
Jesus’ teaching shifts the focus from external factors to the heart and words, emphasizing the spiritual significance of our speech.
Proverbs 18:8 (NIV):
“The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.”
The vivid imagery of gossip as tempting morsels underscores the destructive allure of spreading rumors and speaking ill of others.
Psalm 19:14 (NIV):
“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
A prayerful expression, this verse encapsulates the desire for speech and inner thoughts to align with God’s will and bring Him pleasure.
James 3:8-9 (NIV):
“But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue, we praise our Lord and Father, and with it, we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness.”
Acknowledging the challenge of controlling the tongue, this passage contrasts the contradictory nature of speech—praising God while simultaneously cursing fellow humans.
Colossians 3:8 (NIV):
“But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”
A call to purify our speech from negative and harmful elements, encouraging believers to express themselves with love and respect.
Proverbs 31:26 (NIV):
“She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.”
This verse paints a picture of a wise woman whose speech is marked by both wisdom and faithful instruction, highlighting the positive impact of such communication.
Matthew 12:37 (NIV):
“For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words, you will be condemned.”
Jesus reinforces the weight of accountability attached to our words, emphasizing their role in shaping our destinies.
Proverbs 25:15 (NIV):
“Through patience, a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.”
The power of patience and gentleness in speech is compared to the strength required to break a bone, illustrating the transformative impact of these qualities.
James 3:10 (NIV):
“Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.”
A plea for consistency in speech, urging believers to align their words with the principles of love, grace, and respect for others.
Proverbs 4:24 (NIV):
“Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.”
This verse encourages believers to maintain integrity in speech, avoiding deceit and corrupt language that can harm both themselves and others.
Matthew 5:37 (NIV):
“All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”
Jesus emphasizes the importance of simplicity and truthfulness in speech, cautioning against unnecessary oaths and convoluted language.
Proverbs 13:3 (NIV):
“Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.”
A practical wisdom saying, this verse underscores the importance of exercising control over our speech to avoid unnecessary harm and ruin.
Ephesians 5:4 (NIV):
“Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.”
The call to maintain a higher standard in speech, avoiding obscenity and foolish talk, is coupled with an encouragement to cultivate a spirit of thanksgiving.
Psalm 141:3-4 (NIV):
“Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil so that I take part in wicked deeds along with those who are evildoers; do not let me eat their delicacies.”
This prayer acknowledges the need for divine intervention in guarding both speech and the heart, seeking protection from participating in wrongdoing.
Proverbs 16:23 (NIV):
“The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction.”
The connection between wisdom and prudent speech is highlighted, emphasizing that a wise heart produces speech that promotes instruction and understanding.
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