25 Bible Verses About Words (With Commentary)
The Bible contains many powerful and inspiring words of wisdom that can guide us in our daily lives. Today, we will explore some of the most uplifting and insightful Bible verses about the power of words.
Whether you are struggling with your own words or seeking guidance on how to use them for good, these verses will provide you with encouragement and direction. So, let’s dive into the wisdom of the Bible and discover the importance of our words.
Bible Verses About Words
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 importance of our words and their impact. Our words have the power to bring life or death, blessings or curses. It teaches us to be mindful of the words we speak, recognizing that they have consequences both for ourselves and others.
The verse also reminds us that the way we use our words determines the fruit we will experience. If we speak words of love, encouragement, and positivity, we will reap the benefits of a fruitful and life-giving communication. However, if we choose to speak words of hatred, criticism, or negativity, we will bear the consequences of a destructive and harmful speech.
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.”
This verse highlights the importance of listening first before speaking. It encourages us to have a patient and understanding attitude, being slow to anger and quick to hear others. It reminds us that effective communication involves active listening and understanding the perspective of the other person.
By being slow to speak, we give ourselves time to process our thoughts and respond in a more thoughtful and constructive manner. This verse also calls us to control our anger, as hasty and angry words often lead to conflict and misunderstanding.
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 of the importance of using our words to edify and encourage others. We are called to avoid speaking harmful and hurtful words but instead, focus on words that are beneficial and uplifting. Our words should be aimed at building up others, considering their needs, and bringing them closer to Christ.
By choosing to speak words that benefit and bless others, we not only promote unity and love within the body of Christ but also demonstrate the transformative power that words rooted in the love of God can have on those who hear them.
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.”
This verse emphasizes the significance of the words that come out of our mouths. It teaches us that our words hold the power to defile us or bring us closer to God. This verse goes beyond the context of physical cleanliness and speaks to the condition of our hearts.
We are reminded to guard our hearts and be cautious of the words we speak. It compels us to align our hearts with Christ and let our speech reflect the love, grace, and truth that flow from Him. Our words should convey purity, righteousness, and holiness, and not defile us or others.
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
This verse highlights the power of gentleness in our words. It teaches us that responding with kindness and gentleness can diffuse a potentially volatile situation. By choosing to respond softly, we can de-escalate conflicts and foster understanding.
Conversely, when we respond with harsh and angry words, we only fuel anger and resentment. This verse reminds us of the importance of self-control and using our words wisely to maintain peace and unity in our relationships.
Proverbs 16:24
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
This verse highlights the power of words to bring healing and refreshment. Gracious words have the ability to uplift and encourage, providing comfort to those who hear them. Our words have the potential to bring joy and healing to others, just as honey is enjoyed for its sweetness and nourishing qualities.
By choosing to speak graciously, we extend love and compassion to those around us, cultivating an atmosphere of understanding and support. Our words become a source of strength, refreshing and restoring the weary souls we encounter.
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 encourages us to season our conversations with grace and wisdom. By speaking with grace, we demonstrate God’s love and mercy to others, even in difficult or challenging situations. Our words should be seasoned with the flavor of salt, preserving truth, and promoting righteousness.
When our conversation is rooted in grace, we become effective witnesses for Christ, enabling us to give a gentle and thoughtful answer to everyone we encounter. This verse reminds us of the importance of speaking in a way that reflects our identity as followers of Christ and draws others closer to Him.
Proverbs 10:19
“Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.”
This verse teaches the value of speaking with wisdom and restraint. It reminds us that excessive talking, especially without careful consideration, can lead to sin and trouble. The prudent person exercises self-control, knowing when to speak and when to remain silent.
This verse emphasizes the need to choose our words wisely, avoiding unnecessary gossip, lies, and hurtful speech. By being mindful of our speech, we can prevent unnecessary conflicts, build trust, and promote peace in our relationships.
Proverbs 12:18
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
This verse contrasts the impact of reckless and wise words. Reckless words hurt and wound, tearing others down. In contrast, wise words bring healing and restoration. Our words have the power to create either lasting pain or lasting healing in the lives of those around us.
Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can choose wisdom and use our words to mend broken relationships, encourage the downtrodden, and bring hope to the weary. Let us strive to be bearers of healing, utilizing our speech to bring comfort and restoration.
Psalm 34:13
“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.”
This verse encourages us to be mindful of our speech, urging us to refrain from speaking evil and spreading falsehoods. As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect His truth and righteousness, avoiding deceit and lies.
This verse reminds us to align our words with God’s Word, using our speech to build up and speak the truth in love. By guarding our tongues from evil and falsehoods, we demonstrate integrity and honor God with our words.
Proverbs 17:27
“The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of using our words with restraint and wisdom. It encourages us to possess understanding and an even-tempered demeanor, avoiding impulsive or rash speech.
As we grow in knowledge and understanding, we become more discerning in our choice of words, understanding the impact they can have on others. This verse reminds us to speak thoughtfully and considerately, seeking to bring peace and edify those we interact with.
Matthew 5:37
“But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.”
This verse encourages us to speak truthfully and honestly at all times. It reminds us that our words should always reflect our true intentions and commitments.
In a world filled with deception and compromise, this verse calls us to stand for truth and integrity. It challenges us to be people of our word, letting our “yes” be “yes” and our “no” be “no,” reflecting the character of Christ in our speech.
Proverbs 21:23
“Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.”
This verse highlights the importance of guarding our words. It reminds us that by controlling our speech and choosing our words wisely, we can avoid unnecessary trouble and calamity.
Our words have consequences, and improper speech can lead to conflict, broken relationships, and negative consequences. This verse encourages us to exercise self-control and discernment in our communication, being mindful of the potential consequences of our words.
Proverbs 13:3
“Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.”
This verse reinforces the idea of guarding our lips and exercising caution in our speech. It teaches us that wise communication is essential for preserving our lives and relationships.
Rash and thoughtless speech can have devastating consequences, leading to broken trust, damaged relationships, and personal hardship. By being intentional in the way we speak, we can preserve our own well-being and bring harmony to our interactions.
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.”
This verse reminds us of the weight and significance of our words. It tells us that we will be held accountable for every word we speak, emphasizing the importance of using our speech in a way that aligns with God’s standards.
Our words have eternal consequences, revealing the condition of our hearts and shaping our destiny. This verse reaffirms the significance of choosing our words carefully and ensuring that they are life-giving, truthful, and honoring to God.
Proverbs 15:4
“The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”
This verse highlights the power of our words to bring comfort and life to others. It teaches us that our speech can either uplift and restore or crush and discourage.
By using our words wisely and speaking with kindness and understanding, we contribute to the growth and well-being of those around us. Conversely, when we choose to speak in a perverse or hurtful way, we can inflict deep wounds on others’ spirits. Let us strive to be bearers of life and encouragement through our words.
Proverbs 29:20
“Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them.”
This verse warns against speaking hastily and without careful thought. It emphasizes the importance of considering our words before speaking them.
Rash speech often leads to regret, as it lacks wisdom and discernment. This verse reminds us of the importance of self-control and thoughtful communication. It encourages us to slow down and think before we speak, ensuring that our words bring life and reflect godly wisdom.
Proverbs 25:11
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.”
This verse paints a beautiful picture of the impact of timely and appropriate words. Just as golden apples in a silver setting are visually stunning, words that are spoken at the right moment and in the right way can have a profound impact.
By speaking words of wisdom, encouragement, and grace in the appropriate context, we bring joy and beauty to the lives of others. Let us strive to be mindful of the timing and manner in which our words are shared, ensuring they are like precious jewels that bring value and delight to all who hear them.
Proverbs 18:4
“The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.”
This verse highlights the depth and significance of our words. It emphasizes the potential for wisdom and understanding that can flow from our mouths.
Our words have the power to quench the thirst of those around us, providing wisdom, guidance, and encouragement. The bubbling brook of wisdom within us should overflow and impact the lives of others in a positive and transformative way.
1 Peter 3:10
“For, whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.”
This verse emphasizes the connection between our speech and the quality of our lives. It encourages us to guard our tongues, refraining from evil and deceitful speech.
This verse reminds us that living a life characterized by love, goodness, and blessings starts with the way we use our words. By aligning our speech with God’s truth and modeling Christ-likeness in our communication, we position ourselves to experience a life of love, joy, and peace.
Proverbs 11:9
“With their mouths, the godless destroy their neighbors, but through knowledge, the righteous escape”
This verse contrasts the destructive power of ungodly speech with the security and deliverance that come through knowledge and righteousness.
When our words are influenced by godlessness and unrighteousness, they have the potential to tear others down and cause harm. However, when our speech is guided by knowledge and righteousness, it enables us to escape the destructive patterns of speech and bring life and healing to those around us.
Proverbs 15:28
“The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.”
This verse highlights the discerning and thoughtful nature of righteous speech. It emphasizes the importance of considering our answers carefully, weighing them against the truth of God’s Word.
In contrast, wicked speech flows without restraint, often giving way to evil and harmful words. This verse challenges us to cultivate wisdom, allowing our hearts to guide our words and produce communication that is rooted in righteousness, love, and truth.
What does the Bible say About Words?
In the Bible, the significance of our words is highlighted in numerous passages. The Book of Proverbs, for instance, frequently emphasizes the power of speech. Proverbs 18:21 states that “Death and life are in the power of the tongue,” indicating the immense influence our words possess. They can either build up or tear down, encourage or discourage, bring healing or cause harm.
The Apostle James also underscores the importance of controlling our speech. In James 3:5-6, he compares the tongue to a small spark capable of causing a massive fire. He warns against the destructive potential of our words and urges us to be mindful of what we say.
Additionally, Ephesians 4:29 encourages us to use words that edify and benefit others, rather than engaging in corrupt or harmful speech. This verse reminds us to speak with kindness, compassion, and grace.
Furthermore, Jesus emphasized the significance of our words, stating that “out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). This suggests that our words are reflective of our inner thoughts and beliefs, emphasizing the importance of nurturing a righteous heart to produce positive and uplifting speech.
Therefore, as individuals guided by biblical teachings, we are encouraged to use our words wisely, understanding their potential impact. We should strive to speak truthfully, kindly, and in a manner that uplifts and encourages others, reflecting the love and grace we have received from God.
