Our words carry power, shaping both our own lives and the lives of others. The Bible emphasizes the importance of being mindful of what we say. Words can either build up or tear down, and God calls us to be careful in our speech. Here are of Bible verses that offer wisdom about watching our words.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Slowing Down
Speak Words That Build Others Up
Our words can either lift someone’s spirit or crush them. As Christians, we are called to speak words that encourage and edify others, reflecting the love of Christ. Let your speech be seasoned with grace, and aim to bless others through the words you speak.
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.”
Proverbs 16:24
“Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.”
Colossians 4:6
“Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.”
Proverbs 12:25
“Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.”
Guard Against Gossip and Slander
Gossip and slander can destroy relationships and reputations. The Bible warns us against participating in these behaviors. Speaking falsely about others does not honor God, and it can bring harm to both the speaker and the one being spoken about.
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.”
Titus 3:2
“They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.”
Psalm 101:5
“I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors. I will not endure conceit and pride.”
Be Slow to Speak
Wisdom in speech often requires patience. The Bible urges us to be quick to listen and slow to speak, for hasty words can lead to misunderstanding and conflict. Taking time to think before we speak helps us to respond wisely and lovingly.
James 1:19
“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.”
Proverbs 29:20
“There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking.”
Ecclesiastes 5:2
“Don’t make rash promises, and don’t be hasty in bringing matters before God. After all, God is in heaven, and you are here on earth. So let your words be few.”
Proverbs 18:13
“Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.”
Proverbs 17:27
“A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered.”
Avoid Complaining and Arguing
Complaining and arguing are often signs of discontent or frustration, but they can easily disrupt peace and unity. God calls us to do everything without grumbling, trusting Him in all circumstances. Our attitude in speech should reflect gratitude and patience.
Philippians 2:14
“Do everything without complaining and arguing.”
1 Peter 4:9
“Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.”
James 5:9
“Don’t grumble about each other, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. For look—the Judge is standing at the door!”
Exodus 16:8
“Then Moses added, ‘The Lord will give you meat to eat in the evening and bread to satisfy you in the morning, for he has heard all your complaints against him.’”
1 Corinthians 10:10
“And don’t grumble as some of them did, and then were destroyed by the angel of death.”
Speak Truth in Love
The Bible calls us to speak the truth, but to do so in love. Truth without love can be harsh, while love without truth can be misleading. Strive to balance both, being honest while also being kind and compassionate.
Ephesians 4:15
“Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.”
Proverbs 12:19
“Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed.”
Proverbs 27:5
“An open rebuke is better than hidden love!”
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 that lead to peace.”
Colossians 3:9
“Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds.”
Control Your Tongue
The Bible frequently highlights the need to control our tongues. The words we speak can either bring life or destruction, and controlling our tongue helps us avoid sin and dishonor. We should aim to speak in ways that bring glory to God and avoid unnecessary conflict.
James 3:5
“In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire.”
Proverbs 21:23
“Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.”
Proverbs 13:3
“Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything.”
1 Peter 3:10
“For the Scriptures say, ‘If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.’”
Psalm 34:13
“Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies!”
Avoid Idle and Careless Words
The Bible warns us that we will give an account for every idle word spoken. Our speech should not be filled with carelessness but should reflect thoughtfulness and intention. Avoid words that do not honor God or bring value to the conversation.
Matthew 12:36
“And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak.”
Proverbs 10:19
“Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.”
Ecclesiastes 10:12
“Wise words bring approval, but fools are destroyed by their own words.”
Proverbs 18:21
“The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.”
Proverbs 15:2
“The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.”
Use Words That Bring Healing
Our words can have the power to heal and restore. Just as harsh words can wound, kind and gentle words can bring comfort and healing. As followers of Christ, we are encouraged to speak words that promote peace and healing, reflecting God’s love in all that we say.
Proverbs 12:18
“Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.”
Proverbs 15:4
“Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.”
Proverbs 16:24
“Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.”
Isaiah 50:4
“The Sovereign Lord has given me his words of wisdom, so that I know how to comfort the weary. Morning by morning he wakens me and opens my understanding to his will.”
James 3:17
“But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Behavior
What Does the Bible Say About Being Careful What You Say
The Bible has a lot to say about being careful with our words. Words are powerful, and they can do a lot of good, but they can also cause a lot of harm. It’s easy to say things without thinking, but once words come out, we can’t take them back. That’s why we need to be careful with what we say, because our words can lift someone up or tear them down. In the Bible, we are taught that our speech should be kind, honest, and wise.
First, we have to understand that our words can have a lasting effect. Think about it. When you say something hurtful, even if you didn’t mean it, the person on the receiving end will remember it. It’s like putting a little scratch on their heart. You might not see the scratch, but it’s there. When we’re not careful with our words, we can damage relationships, and it takes a lot of time to heal that damage. But when we choose our words carefully, we can build others up, encourage them, and make them feel good about themselves. That’s why we need to be slow to speak and think about what we’re going to say before we say it.
The Bible also tells us that our words reflect what’s in our hearts. If our hearts are full of love, kindness, and patience, our words will show it. But if our hearts are full of anger, bitterness, or envy, that’s going to come out too. It’s like trying to pour clean water from a dirty cup. No matter how much you pour, it’s still going to be dirty because the cup is dirty. So, before we speak, we need to check our hearts. Are we about to say something out of anger, frustration, or jealousy? If so, it might be best to hold our tongues until we can speak out of love and peace.
One of the best ways to be careful with our words is to think about how we would feel if someone said the same thing to us. Would it make us feel good, or would it hurt us? Would it encourage us, or would it make us feel small? If we wouldn’t like someone saying it to us, we probably shouldn’t say it to someone else. It’s about treating others the way we want to be treated, and that includes how we speak to them.
Sometimes, we think that little jokes or teasing don’t matter, but even small words can cause big problems. What might seem like a harmless joke to us can actually hurt someone else deeply. That’s why it’s important to be sensitive to the feelings of others and choose our words wisely. We don’t want to be the reason someone feels down or discouraged. Instead, we should aim to be the person who lifts others up with kind, thoughtful, and encouraging words.
The Bible also teaches that wise people choose their words carefully. Foolish people speak without thinking, but wise people think before they speak. If we want to be wise, we need to learn to listen more and speak less. Sometimes, the best thing we can say is nothing at all. There are times when silence is more powerful than words. It shows self-control and wisdom, and it prevents us from saying something we’ll regret later.
In the end, being careful with our words is about being loving, kind, and considerate. It’s about choosing to be a source of encouragement rather than a source of pain. Our words have the power to bring healing, comfort, and joy, but they can also cause hurt, anger, and division. The choice is ours. So, let’s make it a habit to speak words that bring life, words that bring hope, and words that make the world a better place.