The Bible speaks extensively about the power of our words and the impact of what comes from our lips. Scripture teaches that our words can bring life or death, healing or harm. Whether it is in praise, truth, or integrity, God desires that our lips reflect His righteousness. Below are seven key themes from the Bible concerning our lips, each accompanied by verses that provide wisdom and guidance.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Watching Your Mouth
The Power of the Lips
Our lips have the ability to bless or curse, to uplift or destroy. The words we speak carry weight, influencing both ourselves and those around us. God calls us to use our lips to glorify Him, encourage others, and speak truth. The Bible consistently reminds us of the importance of guarding our words and ensuring that what comes from our lips aligns with His will.
Proverbs 18:21
“The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.”
Matthew 12:36
“And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak.”
Proverbs 15:4
“Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.”
James 3:10
“And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!”
Psalm 34:13
“Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies!”
Speaking Truth with Our Lips
Truth is at the core of God’s character, and He desires that our lips reflect His truthfulness. Lying, deceit, and false witness are condemned throughout Scripture, while honesty and integrity are praised. Speaking truth builds trust and reflects the righteousness of God in our lives.
Proverbs 12:22
“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth.”
Colossians 3:9
“Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds.”
Ephesians 4:25
“So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body.”
Psalm 15:2-3
“Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends.”
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.”
Guarding Our Lips from Evil
Throughout Scripture, God warns us about the dangers of speaking evil, gossip, and slander. He desires that we use our words for good, not harm. Guarding our lips means being mindful of what we say and ensuring our words reflect His holiness.
Proverbs 10:19
“Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.”
Titus 3:2
“They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.”
Psalm 141:3
“Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips.”
James 1:26
“If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.”
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.”
Lips That Praise and Worship God
One of the most beautiful ways to use our lips is in worship and praise to God. The Bible encourages us to glorify Him with our words, offering prayers, songs, and declarations of His greatness. Our lips should be instruments of worship, testifying to His goodness and faithfulness.
Psalm 63:3
“Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you!”
Hebrews 13:15
“Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name.”
Psalm 51:15
“Unseal my lips, O Lord, that my mouth may praise you.”
Isaiah 57:19
“Bringing words of praise to their lips. May they have abundant peace, both near and far, says the Lord, who heals them.”
Psalm 71:8
“That is why I can never stop praising you; I declare your glory all day long.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About the Tongue
Lips That Speak Wisdom
God desires that our lips be filled with wisdom, offering words that bring insight and guidance. Wise speech builds others up, brings clarity, and reflects God’s truth. The Bible reminds us that those who seek wisdom will use their words carefully and with discernment.
Proverbs 10:31
“The mouth of the godly person gives wise advice, but the tongue that deceives will be cut off.”
Ecclesiastes 10:12
“Wise words bring approval, but fools are destroyed by their own words.”
Proverbs 16:23
“The heart of the wise makes their mouth prudent, and their lips promote instruction.”
Colossians 4:6
“Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.”
Proverbs 15:7
“The lips of the wise give good advice; the heart of a fool has none to give.”
Lips That Bring Encouragement
God calls us to use our words to encourage, uplift, and strengthen those around us. Our lips have the power to comfort the brokenhearted, bring peace in times of trouble, and remind others of God’s faithfulness. The Bible teaches that kind and encouraging words reflect God’s love.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.”
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.”
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.”
Proverbs 12:25
“Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.”
Consequences of Ungodly Lips
While our lips can be used for good, they can also be misused in ways that bring destruction. The Bible warns us about the consequences of lying, gossip, and corrupt speech. God desires that we be mindful of our words, as they have lasting effects on ourselves and others.
Matthew 15:18
“But the words you speak come from the heart—that’s what defiles you.”
Proverbs 6:16-17
“There are six things the Lord hates—no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent.”
James 3:6
“And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body.”
Proverbs 13:3
“Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything.”
Psalm 52:2
“All day long you plot destruction. Your tongue cuts like a sharp razor; you’re an expert at telling lies.”
May these verses serve as a reminder of the power of our lips and the responsibility we have as believers to use our words for God’s glory. Let us strive to speak truth, wisdom, and encouragement, always reflecting His love in our speech.