What does the Bible say

What Does the Bible Say About The Tongue and Your Words?

Few things in Scripture carry as much weight as the power of speech: death and life are in the power of the tongue, and though small, it can set a great fire ablaze. A gentle answer turns away wrath while harsh words stir up anger, so believers are urged to let no corrupt talk come from their mouths, only words that build others up, because an untamed tongue reveals a heart not yet fully surrendered to God.

What Scripture says

Here are real verses on the Tongue and Your Words, each in the King James Version, with a word on what it means.

Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!James 3:5 (KJV)

The tongue is described as small yet capable of boasting greatly and starting a great fire.

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.Proverbs 18:21 (KJV)

Death and life are said to be in the power of the tongue.

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.Proverbs 15:1 (KJV)

A gentle answer turns away wrath, while harsh words stir up anger.

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.Ephesians 4:29 (KJV)

Believers are told to speak only what builds others up, not corrupt or harmful talk.

Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.Proverbs 21:23 (KJV)

Guarding the mouth and tongue is described as guarding the soul from trouble.

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 (KJV)

Failing to bridle the tongue makes a person's whole religious practice entirely worthless.

What this means for you today

Words spoken carelessly, in anger, gossip, or sarcasm, can do lasting damage far beyond the moment they are said, which is part of why Scripture takes the tongue so seriously. A pause before speaking, especially when emotions run high, is often the difference between words that heal and words that wound.

If a recent conversation left you regretting something said in frustration, that regret is worth bringing honestly to God and, where possible, to the person affected. Ask him to help you notice the pause before speaking today, choosing words that build up rather than tear down.

The deepest answer is Jesus

Jesus, though falsely accused and mocked, did not return insult for insult but entrusted himself to God who judges justly, showing that a controlled tongue under pressure is possible because his Spirit can tame what human effort alone cannot.

Every one of these Scriptures points beyond itself to a Person. The deepest answer the Bible gives to any human need is not a rule or a technique but Jesus Christ, who came, lived, died, and rose again so that you could be forgiven and brought home to God. He said, Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Whatever you are carrying, you do not have to carry it alone, and you do not have to make yourself clean first. You can come to him today, just as you are.

This is the good news the whole Bible is telling. We were made for God, we have all turned from him and gone our own way, and none of us can fix that on our own. But God did not leave us there. Out of love he sent his Son to take our place, bearing our wrong on the cross and rising again to open the way back to the Father. Everyone who turns to Jesus and trusts him is forgiven, given new life, and welcomed as a beloved child of God, held by a love that will never let go. That is why the Bible's answer to every topic on this page finally leads here. You can respond right now, in your own words, simply telling God you need him and asking Jesus to be your Saviour and Lord. He hears the honest prayer of anyone who comes.

Related: Integrity · Compassion · Gentleness · Meekness · Selfishness · All topics