Our words have power. The Bible teaches us that our speech can bring life or destruction, encourage or tear down, bless or curse. As followers of Christ, we are called to speak with love, truth, and wisdom. The way we use our words reflects the condition of our hearts and our commitment to honoring God. Below are key biblical principles regarding our speech, along with supporting verses from the New Living Translation.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Controlling Your Tongue
Speaking with Kindness and Love
Our words should be filled with love and kindness, reflecting the heart of Christ. In a world filled with harshness and criticism, we are called to be a light by speaking words that build up rather than tear down. The Bible teaches that kind and loving words can heal relationships, encourage the weary, and bring joy to those around us. Jesus Himself demonstrated loving speech, even in moments of correction. As His followers, we should strive to let our words be a source of grace and encouragement to those who hear them.
Proverbs 16:24
“Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.”
Ephesians 4:29
“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”
Colossians 4:6
“Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.”
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.”
1 Corinthians 13:1
“If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.”
Avoiding Gossip and Slander
Gossip and slander can be incredibly destructive. The Bible warns us repeatedly about the dangers of spreading rumors, speaking negatively about others, and causing division with our words. When we engage in gossip, we not only harm the person being spoken about but also damage our own integrity. God calls us to use our speech to promote peace, encourage one another, and avoid spreading falsehoods or half-truths that can ruin reputations and relationships.
Proverbs 11:13
“A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.”
Proverbs 16:28
“A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends.”
James 4:11
“Don’t speak evil against each other, dear brothers and sisters. If you criticize and judge each other, then you are criticizing and judging God’s law.”
Leviticus 19:16
“Do not spread slanderous gossip among your people. Do not stand idly by when your neighbor’s life is threatened. I am the Lord.”
Proverbs 26:20
“Fire goes out without wood, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops.”
Speaking Truthfully
Honesty is a foundational value in Scripture. God desires for His people to be people of truth, speaking with integrity and sincerity. Lies, deceit, and exaggerations may seem harmless at times, but they ultimately lead to broken trust and damage our witness for Christ. By committing to speak truthfully, we reflect the character of God, who is truth Himself, and we build relationships based on trust and righteousness.
Proverbs 12:22
“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth.”
Ephesians 4:25
“So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body.”
Colossians 3:9
“Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds.”
Psalm 34:13
“Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies!”
Zechariah 8:16
“But this is what you must do: Tell the truth to each other. Render verdicts in your courts that are just and lead to peace.”
Using Words to Encourage
Encouraging words have the power to uplift, strengthen, and inspire others. Whether through a simple kind word, an expression of gratitude, or a reminder of God’s promises, we can use our speech to bring hope and encouragement to those around us. The Bible teaches that words of encouragement are a vital part of our Christian walk and an important way to support our brothers and sisters in faith.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.”
Proverbs 12:25
“Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.”
Hebrews 10:24-25
“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”
Isaiah 41:10
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
Romans 15:2
“We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Watching Your Mouth
Guarding Against Harsh and Angry Words
Harsh and angry words can cause deep wounds and break relationships. The Bible warns us about the dangers of speaking out of anger and encourages us to be slow to speak and quick to listen. When we control our tongues and respond with gentleness and patience, we reflect the character of Christ and promote peace in our relationships.
James 1:19-20
“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.”
Proverbs 15:18
“A hot-tempered person starts fights; a cool-tempered person stops them.”
Ephesians 4:31
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.”
Proverbs 29:11
“Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back.”
Colossians 3:8
“But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language.”
Using Our Speech to Glorify God
Our words are meant to honor and glorify God. Whether through praise, thanksgiving, or sharing the Gospel, we can use our speech as an act of worship. When we speak with humility and truth, we point others to Christ and reflect His goodness. The Bible encourages us to let our words be filled with gratitude and to proclaim the greatness of God.
Psalm 19:14
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”
Hebrews 13:15
“Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name.”
Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.”
1 Peter 4:11
“Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you.”
Psalm 34:1
“I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises.”
Allowing God to Transform Our Speech
True transformation of our speech begins in the heart. When we allow the Holy Spirit to renew our minds and change our hearts, our words will naturally reflect that transformation. The Bible teaches that our words are a reflection of what is stored in our hearts. By seeking God’s wisdom and filling our minds with His truth, we can speak words that bring life and glorify Him.
Luke 6:45
“A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.”
Psalm 141:3
“Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips.”
Romans 12:2
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.”
Matthew 12:36-37
“And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.”
Philippians 4:8
“Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”