Bible Verses About Words and Speech
What the Bible says about our words. 10 passages, word for word.
James 3:5–6
5In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. 6The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
KJV5Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 6And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
KJVA soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
Ephesians 4:29
Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.
KJVLet no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
Proverbs 18:21
Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
KJVDeath and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
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He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.
KJVWhoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
Matthew 12:36–37
36But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. 37For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
KJV36But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. 37For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
Psalms 141:3
Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.
KJVSet a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.
Colossians 4:6
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
KJVLet your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
James 1:19
My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,
KJVWherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
Proverbs 12:18
Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
KJVThere is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.