The Bible offers profound wisdom about the power of the tongue. Words have the potential to build or destroy, encourage or wound, and uplift or bring down. Controlling our tongue is vital for nurturing healthy relationships and honoring God. Below, we explore 20 powerful Bible verses about controlling your tongue, alongside practical insights and reflection.
What Does the Bible Say About Controlling Your Tongue?
The Bible consistently emphasizes the significance of taming the tongue. James 3:8 vividly describes the tongue as a “restless evil, full of deadly poison,” highlighting the challenges of keeping it under control. Here are a few biblical teachings:
1. The Tongue Has the Power of Life and Death: Proverbs 18:21 reminds us, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” This verse underscores the impact of our words.
2. Words Reflect the Heart: Luke 6:45 teaches, “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” Our words mirror our inner thoughts and spiritual state.
3. A Controlled Tongue Honors God: Psalm 19:14 says, “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
These verses reveal that controlling your tongue is about more than just avoiding hurtful speech—it’s about aligning your words with God’s will.
What Does Proverbs 13 Say About the Tongue?
Proverbs 13:3 says, “Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.” This verse stresses the consequences of speaking without restraint. A guarded tongue protects us from unnecessary conflicts, misunderstandings, and regret.
Additionally, Proverbs 13 contrasts the wise and the foolish. While the wise consider their words carefully, the foolish speak recklessly, leading to chaos and destruction.
20 Bible Verses About Controlling Your Tongue
Here is a list of Bible verses to guide you in taming the tongue and using your words wisely:
1. Proverbs 21:23: “Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.”
2. James 1:19: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.”
3. Ephesians 4:29: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up.”
4. Psalm 141:3: “Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.”
5. Proverbs 15:1: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
6. Colossians 4:6: “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt.”
7. Proverbs 10:19: “Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.”
8. Matthew 12:36: “Everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.”
9. Proverbs 13:3: “Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.”
10. James 3:6: “The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body.”
11. Proverbs 17:28: “Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent.”
12. Psalm 34:13: “Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.”
13. Proverbs 16:24: “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
14. Titus 3:2: “Speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle.”
15. James 3:2: “Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect.”
16. Proverbs 12:18: “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
17. Ecclesiastes 5:2: “Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God.”
18. Proverbs 15:4: “The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”
19. 1 Peter 3:10: “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil.”
20. Proverbs 29:11: “Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.”
How Do We Control Our Tongues?
Controlling your tongue involves both spiritual and practical discipline. Here are actionable steps to tame your tongue:
- Pray for Wisdom: Regularly ask God to help you speak words that honor Him (Psalm 141:3).
- Pause Before Speaking: Practice the habit of thinking before you speak. Proverbs 21:23 emphasizes the importance of guarding your mouth.
- Fill Your Heart with Goodness: Remember Luke 6:45—your words flow from your heart. Cultivate love, patience, and kindness in your thoughts.
- Listen More, Speak Less: James 1:19 advises us to be quick to listen and slow to speak.
- Surround Yourself with Positive Influences: Uplifting relationships can inspire you to speak words of encouragement and grace.
- Study Scripture: Memorizing and meditating on verses about controlling your tongue can shape your speech.
Conclusion
The journey to controlling your tongue is ongoing, but it begins with a desire to honor God with your words. By meditating on these Bible Verses About Controlling Your Tongue, you can align your speech with the principles of grace, wisdom, and love.
Let your words bring life, encouragement, and healing, reflecting the goodness of God to those around you.
