25 Bible Verses About Kind Words (With Commentary)

Words have the power to build up or tear down, to heal or to hurt. The Bible emphasizes the importance of speaking words of kindness and encouragement, reflecting the love and grace of God toward others. Let’s explore these verses together and commit to using our words to uplift and inspire, spreading kindness and compassion wherever we go, and making a positive impact in the lives of those around us.

Bible Verses About Kind Words

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.”

This verse reminds us to be mindful of our words and to use them to encourage and uplift others. It teaches us to speak in a way that is beneficial to others, considering their needs and bringing them closer to God.

Proverbs 15:23

“A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word!”

Timely and appropriate words can bring joy and have a positive impact on others. This verse encourages us to use our words wisely and provide encouragement and support when it is most needed.

Proverbs 16:24

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

Kind and gracious words have a soothing effect on the soul. They can bring healing and comfort to those who hear them. This verse emphasizes the importance of using words to bring joy and restoration to others.

Proverbs 25:11

“Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a ruling rightly given.”

Just as precious and beautiful jewels are admired, a well-spoken word that is just and fair holds great value. This verse encourages us to use our words to bring wisdom and guidance to others.

Proverbs 12:18

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

Our words have the power to either harm or heal. This verse warns us against reckless and hurtful words and encourages us to speak with wisdom and kindness, bringing healing and restoration to others.

Colossians 3:16

“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”

The teachings of Christ should be ever-present in our lives and relationships, and we should use them to guide our words and actions. This verse reminds us to use wisdom and gratitude when communicating with one another, drawing from the rich message of Christ.

James 1:19

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”

Listening attentively and refraining from quick and angry speech is crucial in building healthy relationships. This verse encourages us to exercise patience and self-control in our interactions with others.

Proverbs 18:21

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

The words we speak have a significant impact on ourselves and those around us. This verse highlights the power of the tongue to bring life or death and reminds us to use our words wisely.

Proverbs 15:1

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

Responding with gentleness and understanding can diffuse conflicts and prevent further anger. This verse encourages us to choose our words carefully and to respond to others with kindness.

Proverbs 21:23

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

By being mindful of our words and using them wisely, we can avoid unnecessary trouble and misfortune. This verse emphasizes the importance of guarding our speech.

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.”

We will be held accountable for every word we speak, and this verse serves as a reminder to be mindful of the content and impact of our speech.

1 Peter 3:10

“Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.”

To experience a fulfilled and joyful life, we must refrain from speaking evil and deceitful words. This verse encourages us to cultivate a habit of speaking truth and righteousness.

Psalm 141:3

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

We can pray and ask God to help us control our speech and guide our words. This verse reminds us to seek His guidance and protection over our words.

Proverbs 10:19

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

Talking excessively does not bring an end to sin, but practicing self-control when speaking leads to wisdom. This verse encourages us to be thoughtful and measured in our speech.

Proverbs 13:3

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

By exercising caution and control over our speech, we can preserve our relationships and prevent unnecessary harm. This verse highlights the importance of guarding our lips.

Proverbs 16:21

“The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction.”

When we speak with wisdom and grace, we open the doors to learning and understanding. This verse emphasizes the impact of kind and thoughtful words on the process of instruction.

Proverbs 17:27

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

Those who possess knowledge and understanding are careful in their speech and display a calm and balanced demeanor. This verse encourages us to speak with restraint and maintain an even temper.

Proverbs 10:32

“The lips of the righteous know what finds favor, but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse.”

The words of the righteous bring favor and please God, while the words of the wicked are characterized by perversity. This verse highlights the importance of speaking in a way that aligns with God’s commands.

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.”

We should strive for our words and thoughts to be pleasing to God. This verse serves as a prayer for God’s guidance in our speech and innermost thoughts.

Colossians 4:6

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

We are called to engage in conversations that are filled with grace and wisdom. This verse encourages us to speak in a way that reflects the love and truth of Christ to everyone we encounter.

Proverbs 15:4

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

Kind and comforting words have a life-giving effect, while harsh and hurtful words can crush someone’s spirit. This verse emphasizes the power of our words to either bring life or cause harm.

Proverbs 25:15

“Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.”

Patience and gentle speech have the power to influence and change hearts. This verse reminds us of the effectiveness of using kind and persuasive words in our interactions with others.

Proverbs 15:28

“The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.”

The righteous ponder their responses and choose their words carefully, while the wicked speak without considering the consequences. This verse encourages us to be thoughtful and intentional in our speech.

Proverbs 17:9

“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”

Love prompts us to forgive and overlook offenses, preventing the deterioration of friendships. This verse teaches us to use our words to promote reconciliation and unity.

Matthew 5:37

“All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”

Our words should be honest and straightforward, reflecting a heart that seeks to honor God. This verse encourages us to speak truthfully and avoid deceptive speech.

What Does The Bible Say About Kind Words?

When it comes to the power of our words, the Bible has much to say. In particular, the importance of kind words is emphasized throughout its teachings. We are reminded that our words have the ability to either build up or tear down others. Proverbs 12:25 tells us that “anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.”

Kind words have the ability to bring comfort and encouragement to those who are hurting or struggling. Proverbs 16:24 states, “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” When we choose to speak with kindness and empathy, we can uplift others and help alleviate their burdens.

The Bible also warns us about the destructive power of our words. In James 3:6, it says that “the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. It is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life.” Harsh and unkind words can cause deep emotional wounds that can be difficult to heal.

In Ephesians 4:29, we are reminded to use our words for the benefit of others: “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.” This verse reminds us to be intentional in our speech, using our words to bring grace and edification to those around us.

Furthermore, Jesus himself set the example of speaking with kindness and compassion. Throughout his ministry, he showed love and grace through his words, even to those who were considered outcasts or enemies. He encouraged his followers to love their enemies and to bless those who curse them (Matthew 5:44).

Kind words not only impact those whom we speak to, but they also reveal the state of our hearts. In Luke 6:45, Jesus says, “The good person out of the good treasure