Have you ever said something you later regretted? We’ve all been there. Our words hold tremendous power, and controlling our tongue is often easier said than done.
But did you know that the Bible offers guidance on this very topic? In this article, we’ll delve into some key verses from the Bible that teach us about the importance of watching what we say and how we can better control our tongues.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Minding Your Own Business
Top Bible Verses About Controlling Your Tongue
Proverbs 21:23
“Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.”
James 3:3-5
“When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 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.”
Proverbs 10:19
“Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.”
James 1:26
“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.”
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Proverbs 18:21
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
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.”
Proverbs 12:18
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
Proverbs 16:24
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
Colossians 4:6
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
The Power of Words
Proverbs 18:20-21
“From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied. The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
Proverbs 15:4
“The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”
Matthew 12:36-37
“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Proverbs 12:18
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
Proverbs 16:23
“The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction.”
Wisdom in Speech
Proverbs 10:19
“Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.”
Proverbs 17:27-28
“The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.”
Proverbs 29:11
“Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.”
Ecclesiastes 5:2
“Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.”
Proverbs 13:3
“Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.”
Speech Reflecting the Heart
Matthew 15:18-19
“But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.”
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.”
Proverbs 4:24
“Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.”
James 1:26
“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.”
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.”
Building Others Up
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.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Colossians 4:6
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Doing The Right Thing
Humility and Meekness
James 4:6
“But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'”
Proverbs 11:12
“Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.”
Proverbs 15:2
“The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.”
Colossians 3:12
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
Proverbs 29:20
“Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them.”
Accountability for Words
Matthew 12:36
“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.”
Proverbs 6:2
“you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth.”
Proverbs 21:23
“Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.”
Psalm 141:3
“Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.”
Proverbs 13:3
“Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.”
Speaking Truth in Love
Ephesians 4:15
“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”
Zechariah 8:16
“These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts.”
Proverbs 12:17
“An honest witness tells the truth, but a false witness tells lies.”
Proverbs 8:7
“My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness.”
Ephesians 4:25
“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.”
Guarding Against Gossip
Proverbs 16:28
“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”
Proverbs 26:20
“Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.”
Proverbs 11:13
“A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.”
Proverbs 20:19
“A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.”
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.”
Speech Reflecting Faith
Romans 10:9-10
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”
Matthew 12:34b
“For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.”
Proverbs 15:28
“The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.”
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.”
James 3:9-10
“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Acceptance
Final Thought
As we conclude, remember the power of our words, for they can build or destroy. Let us heed the wisdom of Scripture in controlling our tongues, speaking life and encouragement. Proverbs 21:23 reminds us, “Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.” May we honor God with our speech, bringing love, truth, and grace to all we encounter. Amen.