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Bible Verses About Words and the Tongue
What does the Bible say about our words? That the tongue holds the power of life and death, and that our speech reveals and shapes the heart. Proverbs 18:21, James 3:5, Ephesians 4:29 are among the clearest passages.
Bible verses about words and the tongue
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”
Proverbs 18:21 · King James Version (public domain)
“Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!”
James 3:5 · King James Version (public domain)
“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying.”
Ephesians 4:29 · King James Version (public domain)
“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”
Proverbs 15:1 · King James Version (public domain)
“Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.”
Proverbs 21:23 · King James Version (public domain)
Guarding the mouth and tongue is presented as a way of keeping the soul from trouble.
“Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.”
Psalms 141:3 · King James Version (public domain)
David asks God to set a watch before his mouth and keep the door of his lips.
“If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.”
James 1:26 · King James Version (public domain)
A faith that does not bridle the tongue is shown to be empty, so our words matter deeply.
“There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.”
Proverbs 12:18 · King James Version (public domain)
Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
“Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”
Colossians 4:6 · King James Version (public domain)
Our speech is to be always gracious, seasoned with salt, fit to answer every person.
“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.”
Matthew 12:36 · King James Version (public domain)
Jesus warns that we will give account for every idle word, which makes our speech holy ground.
“For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.”
Matthew 12:37 · King James Version (public domain)
By our words we will be justified or condemned, so Christ calls us to weigh what we say.
“In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.”
Proverbs 10:19 · King James Version (public domain)
Where words are many, sin is not lacking, but the wise hold their lips.
“Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.”
Ecclesiastes 5:2 · King James Version (public domain)
We are counseled to be slow to speak, remembering that God is in heaven and we on earth.
How these verses point to Christ
These verses are not slogans to prop yourself up. Every true word the Bible speaks about words and the tongue finds its yes in Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20). He is where words and the tongue, rightly understood, was always leading; come to Him and receive what no verse alone can give.
You do not have to carry this alone
On The Living Bread you can read these passages in full, ask Simon what they mean, hear how Christ has met others in the same place, and pray them with a community that will pray for you by name. You are welcome exactly as you are.
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