“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” – Proverbs 18:21
bible verses about what you say
The Power of Words
We often forget just how powerful our words can be. The Bible teaches us that what we say can bring life or death to ourselves and others. Each word we choose carries weight, and it’s crucial for us to be mindful of our speech. In James, we learn that the tongue is a small part of our body but holds the power to impact our entire lives and those around us. This reminds us that we should strive to uplift and encourage with our words, rather than tear each other down.
Proverbs 18:21
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” – Proverbs 18:21
James 3:5
“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!” – James 3:5
Proverbs 12:18
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” – Proverbs 12:18
Proverbs 15:4
“The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.” – Proverbs 15:4
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.” – Ephesians 4:29
Words as a Reflection of the Heart
Our words often reflect what is within our hearts. As we examine this topic in the Bible, it becomes clear that our speech can reveal our true character and feelings. Jesus tells us that from the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. This encourages us to maintain a pure heart and fosters growth in our spiritual lives. In our conversations, we must remember that what we say not only represents us but also represents our faith.
Matthew 12:34
“You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” – Matthew 12:34
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.” – Luke 6:45
Proverbs 10:11
“The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.” – Proverbs 10:11
Proverbs 21:23
“Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.” – Proverbs 21:23
Matthew 15:18
“But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them.” – Matthew 15:18
The Call to Speak Kindly
As we continue discussing what we say, the Bible calls us to speak kindly and gently. Kind words can heal and encourage those around us. When we choose to communicate with love and respect, we reflect God’s grace and light. The Scriptures guide us in nurturing relationships through the kindness found in our speech, which is essential for harmony within our families, friendships, and communities.
Colossians 4:6
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” – Colossians 4:6
Proverbs 16:24
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” – Proverbs 16:24
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Proverbs 25:11
“Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a ruling rightly given.” – Proverbs 25:11
Proverbs 29:20
“Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them.” – Proverbs 29:20
The Importance of Listening Before Speaking
Effective communication isn’t purely about what we say; it involves listening as well. The Bible teaches us that being quick to listen and slow to speak is vital for healthy dialogue. By truly listening to others, we gain understanding and can respond in a more thoughtful manner. This ensures that our conversations are honorable and serve to uplift one another rather than lead to misunderstanding or conflict.
James 1:19
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” – James 1:19
Proverbs 18:13
“To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.” – Proverbs 18:13
Proverbs 20:5
“The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.” – Proverbs 20:5
Proverbs 21:28
“A false witness will perish, but a careful listener will testify successfully.” – Proverbs 21:28
Ecclesiastes 3:7
“A time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak.” – Ecclesiastes 3:7
The Warning Against Gossip
When we think about what we say, we must also be cautious about gossip. The Bible cautions us against speaking ill of others and spreading rumors. Gossip can destroy lives and relationships, and instead, we should focus on speaking positively. Let’s remember to build others up with words of grace, rather than getting caught up in discussions that lead only to destruction.
Proverbs 20:19
“A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.” – Proverbs 20:19
Proverbs 16:28
“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.” – Proverbs 16:28
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 busybodies who talk nonsense, saying things they ought not to.” – 1 Timothy 5:13
Proverbs 11:13
“A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.” – Proverbs 11:13
Proverbs 26:20
“Without wood, a fire goes out; without a gossip, a quarrel dies down.” – Proverbs 26:20
The Role of Speech in Worship
Our speech is also significant in our worship and praise to God. We are reminded that our words should reflect our commitment to Him. Singing praises and speaking His truths should be a part of how we express our love and dedication. When we use our voices to glorify Him, we grow closer to God and strengthen our faith, while also encouraging those around us to do the same.
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.” – Psalm 19:14
1 Peter 2:9
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” – 1 Peter 2:9
Ephesians 5:19
“Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord.” – Ephesians 5:19
Psalms 47:1
“Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.” – Psalms 47:1
Hebrews 13:15
“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.” – Hebrews 13:15
Final Thoughts
As we reflect upon the importance of our speech and what we say, we understand that our words can shape lives, ours and others. Through careful consideration of our words, we can uplift and encourage one another. In all our conversations, we have the opportunity to reflect our faith and the love of Christ. May we strive to speak words that bring life, kindness, and grace to those around us. Let us be mindful of our hearts, for they overflow into our conversations.
Choosing to hold our tongues when necessary and being quick to listen opens the door for understanding and healing, which are essential in all our relationships. Let us encourage each other and speak with intention, remembering that our words carry great power. By seeking God’s guidance, we can transform our conversations into opportunities for worship, praise, and love.
We encourage you to explore more topics to read about, like keeping your mouth shut or keeping quiet. There is so much wisdom to uncover in the Word of God, and we pray it enriches our lives as we strive to walk in His ways.