25 Bible Verses About Controlling Your Tongue (With Commentary)
Have you ever heard the phrase “Choose your words wisely?” In many ways, this is an excellent reminder for us all to take a step back and think about what comes out of our mouths.
Our words have power, and being mindful of them is key to communicating effectively with those around us. As we strive towards being more conscious in our speaking habits, one surefire way we can do this is by turning to the bible for guidance.
Today, let’s explore some great bible verses about controlling your tongue.
Bible Verses About Controlling Your Tongue
The Power of Words
The impact of words is incredible. They can bring joy, move mountains emotionally and inspire the uninspired. Language also has the ability to hurt, harm and wound spirits. As followers of Christ, we believe that our words have the power to affect relationships, shape events and influence others spiritually.
As Christians, we must be intentional about what we say. Our communication choices should reflect God’s love and grace; edifying and building up those around us. Careful consideration should be given to our speech- it reflects our moral values of love, self-control as modeled by Jesus Christ.
The key takeaway from this is that our every spoken word carries weight- let us strive to make each one count in positive ways that benefit not only ourselves but also those around us.
James 3:5-6
“So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.”
Proverbs 15:4
“A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.”
Proverbs 16:24
“Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”
Proverbs 18:21
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”
Ephesians 4:29
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
The Consequences of an Uncontrolled Tongue
The tongue holds immense power in the words we utter. Our speech harbors the ability to hurt those close to us and can lead to relationships breaking down. Speaking without contemplation can lead to others doubting our authenticity as Christians, damaging our reputation, and hindering others’ spiritual growth.
Our primary role as Christians is to act as vessels of God’s love and grace. As we represent Christ, it is critical to take into account every word we speak. Failing at this can bring not only harm to ourselves but also dishonor God’s name. We must be mindful of the Holy Spirit’s work and tame our tongue by speaking words that are wise and uplifting in every situation.
In James 3:5-6, it states: “So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life.”
Therefore we must earnestly try our level best at controlling our tongues and using words appropriately so that others may see Jesus through us.
James 1:26
“If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.”
Proverbs 10:19
“When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.”
Proverbs 13:3
“Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.”
Proverbs 21:23
“Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.”
Matthew 12:36-37
“I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
The Importance of Self-Control
Self-control is an important part of being a Christian. It means that we can manage our thoughts, emotions, and actions in a way that honors God and helps us grow spiritually. When it comes to control our words, self-control requires us to be mindful and choose words that are helpful, true, and kind.
To develop self-control in speaking, we need to focus on practicing it daily by submitting our will to God. It means asking Him to assist us in keeping our tongue under control and use our words the way He wants us to use them.
When we cultivate self-control this way, we will experience an increase in peace, joy, and freedom knowing full well we are using our words for God’s glory and for the benefit of others.
Proverbs 17:27-28
“Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.”
James 1:19-20
“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
Proverbs 29:11
“A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.”
Colossians 4:6
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”
Proverbs 15:1
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
The Need for Accountability
Harnessing the power of accountability is an essential strategy in mastering the art of speaking wisely. When we are committed to honoring God with our mouth, it’s crucial that we surround ourselves with like-minded believers who hold us accountable.
This group of trusty comrades provides constant encouragement, support, and constructive criticism when necessary.
Surrounding ourselves with people who share our values and ideals help us to remain focused on our goal as we can bounce ideas off one another to spur growth while also providing an avenue to openly confess our struggles.
This supportive group champions confessions by creating a secure space for us to share our feelings and receive insightful prayer.
It is noteworthy that as Christians, we ought to seek meaningful relationships with other believers who are passionate about using their language for glorifying God. Such relationships offer us a chance to inspire one another, learn from each other’s experiences, and grow consistently in faith and Christlikeness.
Proverbs 27:6
“Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.”
James 5:16
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
Proverbs 27:17
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”
Proverbs 12:15
“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.”
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
Seeking God’s Help
Controlling our words can be a tough task that we cannot fully accomplish by ourselves. However, when we ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we gain more power to adhere to God’s will. With His help and constant prayer and Bible study, our words can become aligned with God’s purpose.
Even as believers, control of our tongue is an ongoing process where we need to rely on the grace and wisdom of God entirely. Through repentance and embracing His forgiveness, we trust that He has started creating in us a new person with kinder speech. Jesus Christ provides us with a role model of how best to use our words: constructively and showing self-control.
As we seek His help, God blesses us with wisdom and discernment as well. This allows us to avoid speaking harmful or unhelpful things. Our relationship with Him grows, then our speech will reflect more of who He is loving, gracious and truthful.
Psalm 19:14
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”
Psalm 141:3
“Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!”
Proverbs 30:32-33
“If you have been foolish, exalting yourself, or if you have been devising evil, put your hand on your mouth. For pressing milk produces curds, pressing the nose produces blood, and pressing anger produces strife.”
Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Psalm 141:4
“Do not let my heart incline to any evil, to busy myself with wicked deeds in company with men who work iniquity, and let me not eat of their delicacies!”
Final Thoughts
The Bible has a lot to say about how we should use our words. It’s important that we control what we say and choose our words carefully. We need to understand that our words have power, and if we don’t control our tongue, it can lead to negative consequences.
But if we practice self-control and rely on God’s help, we can use our words for good and reflect the love of Christ.
As Christians, let’s commit ourselves to using our words to encourage and uplift others. With accountability and God’s guidance, we can improve in this area and honor Him with our speech.
