20 Best Bible Verses About the Power of the Tongue (With Commentary)

The tongue is a small but powerful instrument that holds the capacity to bring life or destruction, encouragement or discouragement. In the Bible, we find verses that highlight the significance of our words, the responsibility they carry, and the impact they have on ourselves and others.

In this blog post, we’ll explore verses about the power of the tongue, uncovering the transformative potential of our speech when guided by wisdom and love.

Join me as we delve into the scriptures, discovering how our words can build up, heal, and inspire those around us. Together, let’s cultivate a tongue that reflects the character of our Heavenly Father and speaks life into every situation we encounter.

Bible Verses About the Power of the Tongue

Proverbs 18:21

“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

This verse emphasizes the great influence that our words have on ourselves and others. Our tongue can speak life, encouragement, and blessings, or it can speak death, discouragement, and curses. This verse reminds us that the words we speak have consequences and impact our lives. It serves as a reminder to be mindful of our speech and to use our words wisely, so that we may build others up and experience the fruit of positive and uplifting speech.

Matthew 15:11

“What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.”

Jesus teaches us that it is not what we consume that defiles us, but rather the words that come out of our mouths. Our words have the power to defile us or uplift us. This verse serves as a reminder to guard our speech and to ensure that our words are rooted in love, truth, and edification. It encourages us to be mindful of the impact our words have on ourselves and those around us.

Proverbs 13:3

“Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.”

This verse highlights the importance of wise and thoughtful speech. It reminds us that when we guard our lips and think before we speak, we can preserve our relationships, reputation, and overall well-being. However, when we speak recklessly and without consideration, it can lead to ruin and damage. Therefore, this verse encourages us to exercise self-control over our tongues and to ensure that our words are filled with wisdom, kindness, and humility.

James 3:5-6

“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. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.”

James uses powerful imagery to convey the immense power of the tongue. Just as a small spark can ignite a massive forest fire, our words have the potential to cause great harm and destruction. This verse serves as a cautionary reminder to be mindful of the impact our speech can have, both on ourselves and others. It challenges us to use our tongues wisely and to avoid spreading evil, gossip, and negativity, which can lead to disastrous consequences.

Proverbs 21:23

“Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.”

This verse reiterates the importance of exercising self-control over our speech. It reminds us that when we guard our mouths and tongues, we can prevent ourselves from falling into calamity. Our words have the power to shape our circumstances and experiences. Therefore, this verse encourages us to choose our words carefully, speaking life, truth, and encouragement, in order to avoid unnecessary hardships and difficulties in life.

Proverbs 10:19

“Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.”

In this verse, we are reminded that talking excessively does not solve or justify sin. Rather, those who are wise and discerning know when to remain silent. This implies that there is wisdom in choosing not to engage in idle, destructive, or unnecessary speech. Sometimes, the best course of action is to hold our tongues, allowing for a moment of reflection and discernment before speaking. This verse encourages us to exercise discretion and discernment in our speech, cultivating an environment of peace and understanding.

Psalms 141:3

“Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.”

This verse serves as a prayer and a plea to God for help in controlling our speech. It acknowledges that our words can easily become a source of harm and asks for divine intervention in guarding our mouths and watching over what we say. It reminds us of our dependence on God to guide and direct our speech, so that our words may be pleasing to Him and beneficial to others. It is a reminder to seek the Lord’s wisdom and guidance in all matters of communication.

Proverbs 15:4

“The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”

This verse portrays the power of words to either bring life and healing or crush and damage the human spirit. Our speech can have a tremendous impact on someone’s emotional well-being. It encourages us to speak words of encouragement, empathy, and compassion, which can uplift and nurture others. Conversely, it warns against using words to hurt or manipulate, which can crush the spirit. This verse reminds us to be mindful of the effect our words can have and to strive to use our tongues to bring life and hope to those around us.

Proverbs 16:24

“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”

This verse beautifully illustrates the uplifting and healing power of kind and gracious words. Just as honey is sweet and soothing to the taste buds, gracious words bring comfort and refreshment to the soul. They have the ability to heal emotional wounds and restore broken spirits. This verse encourages us to embrace kindness and gentleness in our speech, recognizing that our words have the potential to bring joy, affirmation, and restoration. It serves as a reminder to use our tongues for building up and offering comfort and encouragement to others.

Proverbs 12:18

“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”

In this verse, we are reminded of the profound impact our words can have. Reckless and thoughtless speech has the potential to cause harm and pain, comparable to the piercing of a sword. On the other hand, wise and thoughtful speech brings healing, restoration, and wholeness. This verse emphasizes the importance of using our words wisely and with intentionality. It challenges us to seek wisdom and discernment in our communication, so that our tongues may be agents of healing and builders of healthy relationships.

Proverbs 17:27

“The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.”

This verse highlights the importance of using our words with restraint and wisdom. It suggests that those who possess knowledge and understanding are able to control their speech and remain even-tempered. It implies that when we speak without restraint, we may be acting out of ignorance or lacking in understanding. This verse encourages us to pursue knowledge, discernment, and emotional intelligence, so that we may be able to communicate in a measured and thoughtful manner. It serves as a reminder to be intentional about our words and to use them with wisdom.

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.”

Paul exhorts believers to be mindful of their speech in this verse. He urges them to forgo unwholesome or destructive talk and instead choose words that are helpful for building others up. Our speech should be tailored to meet the needs of those who hear it, with the purpose of bringing benefit and edification. This verse serves as a guide for our communication, encouraging us to be intentional and considerate in using our words to uplift, encourage, and support others.

Proverbs 18:4

“The words of a person’s mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.”

This verse emphasizes the depth and significance of our words. The words that come out of our mouths can carry great weight and meaning. They can either reflect the depth of wisdom and understanding within us or reveal a lack of discernment. This verse encourages us to seek wisdom as a source of our speech, so that our words may flow like a bubbling brook, refreshing, and nurturing those who hear them. It serves as a reminder of the importance of cultivating wisdom in our lives and allowing it to flow through our words.

Colossians 4:6

“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”

This verse provides guidance on how we should engage in conversation as believers. It encourages us to always speak with grace, kindness, and humility. Our words should be seasoned with “salt,” representing wisdom and purity, so that we may respond with discernment and understanding to everyone we encounter. This verse challenges us to be intentional in our speech, ensuring that our words bring forth the fragrance of grace and draw others closer to God. It serves as a reminder to speak with love and respect, and to constantly reflect Christ in our interactions.

Proverbs 15:1

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

This verse emphasizes the power of a gentle and soft-spoken response. When faced with conflict or anger, responding with kindness and gentleness can diffuse the situation and promote understanding and reconciliation. On the other hand, responding harshly or with anger can escalate tensions and fuel further discord. This verse encourages us to choose our words carefully and to respond gracefully, soothing tensions and promoting peace. It serves as a reminder to aim for kindness and empathy in our communication, recognizing that a gentle answer has the potential to bring about positive outcomes in our relationships.

Proverbs 16:23-24

“The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction. Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”

These verses emphasize the connection between wisdom and speech. A wise heart produces prudent speech that promotes instruction and understanding. Gracious words are compared to a honeycomb, conveying their sweetness and healing properties. They have the power to uplift and bring healing to the soul and physical well-being. These verses encourage us to cultivate wisdom in our hearts so that our words may be filled with grace and bring refreshment and restoration to others. It serves as a reminder of the powerful impact our words can have and the responsibility we have to speak with wisdom and grace.

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.”

In these verses, Jesus warns about the weight and accountability of our words. He emphasizes that every word we speak will be brought into judgment and have consequences. Our words have the power to either condemn or acquit us. This passage serves as a reminder to be mindful of what we say, and to purposefully choose words that honor God and reflect His love and truth. It compels us to be intentional with our speech, recognizing that our words can impact our eternal destiny.

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.”

This verse emphasizes the importance of aligning our speech with our faith and beliefs. It reminds us that true religion involves self-control over our speech. If we claim to be religious but fail to control our tongues, we are deceiving ourselves and rendering our religion meaningless. This verse challenges us to examine our hearts and evaluate whether our speech reflects the values and teachings of our faith. It serves as a call to be intentional about our speech and to seek to honor God through the words we choose to use.

Proverbs 29:20

“Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them.”

This verse highlights the importance of avoiding hasty and impulsive speech. When we speak without taking the time to consider our words, we run the risk of causing harm and misunderstanding. This verse suggests that foolishness lies in speaking without thought, and emphasizes the need for self-control and discernment. It challenges us to pause before speaking, allowing time for reflection, wisdom, and understanding to guide our words. By doing so, we can avoid unnecessary conflict and demonstrate maturity and wisdom in our communication.

Psalms 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.”

This verse serves as a prayer and a desire for our words and thoughts to align with God’s will. It expresses a longing to please God through our speech and inner thoughts. This verse prompts us to examine our motives and intentions behind our words, so that they may bring glory to God rather than dishonor. It is a reminder to be intentional in aligning our hearts and minds with God’s truth, seeking to speak words that honor Him and reflect His love and righteousness.

Colossians 3:8

“But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”

In this verse, Paul instructs believers to rid themselves of negative and harmful speech. He lists various forms of destructive speech, such as anger, malice, slander, and vulgar language, and urges believers to remove them from their vocabulary. This verse challenges us to examine our speech patterns and recognize any areas in which we need to make changes. It encourages us to replace negative speech with words that build up, encourage, and reflect the love and grace of Christ.

Proverbs 17:28

“Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.”

This verse highlights the power of silence and restraint in our speech. When we choose to remain silent, particularly in moments of conflict or disagreement, we have the opportunity to be perceived as wise and discerning. This verse encourages us to think before speaking, recognizing that sometimes it is better to hold our tongues and listen rather than impulsively offering our opinions. It serves as a reminder to cultivate patience, humility, and self-control in our communication, aiming to be seen as people of wisdom and discernment by our actions and restraint.

Proverbs 14:3

“A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them.”

This verse contrasts the speech of a fool and the speech of the wise. A fool’s mouth is characterized by pride, and their words often hurt and harm others. On the other hand, the lips of the wise protect them because they choose their words carefully, demonstrating humility and self-control. This verse serves as a cautionary reminder to guard our speech, ensuring that our words reflect wisdom and humility rather than pride. It encourages us to be mindful of the impact our words have on ourselves and others, striving to speak with wisdom and grace.

Proverbs 26:20

“Without wood, a fire goes out; without a gossip, a quarrel dies down.”

This verse highlights the destructive power of gossip and the potential it has to fuel conflicts and quarrels. Just as fire requires fuel to continue burning, gossip needs an audience to perpetuate further conflicts. This verse encourages us to refrain from engaging in gossip and spreading rumors, recognizing the harm and division it can cause. It serves as a reminder to be mindful of our speech and to use our words for unity, understanding, and reconciliation rather than adding fuel to the fire of discord and strife.

The Power of the Tongue in the Bible

The Bible emphasizes the significance of the tongue and the words we speak. It contains numerous passages that highlight the power and impact of our speech on ourselves and others. In the Book of Proverbs, for instance, there are various verses that offer insights into the nature of the tongue and its potential consequences.

1. Words have the power of life and death: Proverbs 18:21 states, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” This verse underscores the idea that our words can either bring life and encouragement or bring destruction and harm to others and ourselves.
2. Wisdom in choosing words: Proverbs 15:1 advises, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” This passage teaches the importance of using gentle and wise words to deescalate conflicts and promote understanding.
3. Gossip and slander: Proverbs 16:28 cautions against spreading gossip and sowing discord among people: “A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.” The Bible warns against the destructive power of words used to harm or mislead others.
4. Gracious words: Proverbs 16:24 emphasizes the positive impact of kind and gracious words: “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” Our speech has the potential to uplift and heal those around us.
5. Honesty and integrity in speech: Ephesians 4:25 encourages truthfulness in communication: “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.” Honesty and integrity in speech are essential principles in the Christian worldview.

Throughout the Bible, there are examples of individuals facing the consequences of their words, both positive and negative. It is clear that the tongue is a powerful tool, and believers are encouraged to use their speech responsibly, with love, wisdom, and consideration for others. By doing so, they can positively impact their relationships and foster a more harmonious community.