The Bible has a lot to say about our words, speech, and how we use our tongues. Whether it’s encouraging words, gentle rebukes, or speaking the truth in love, our tongues can build up or tear down. The Scriptures remind us that our speech is powerful, it can bring life or cause destruction. In this post, we will explore 40 powerful Bible verses about tongues to inspire you to speak life, choose your words wisely, and honor God with your speech.
Understanding the Power of the Tongue
The tongue is small, yet it has great influence. Our words can heal wounds, inspire hope, and lead people to Christ. But they can also damage relationships, stir up anger, and destroy reputations. Proverbs 18:21 tells us, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” This shows how vital it is to be mindful of what we say.
Below, we will explore Bible verses about tongues that teach us how to control our speech, speak wisely, and use our words for good.
40 Powerful Bible Verses About Tongues
Here are 40 powerful scriptures that address the use, control, and impact of the tongue.
- Proverbs 18:21 – “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”
- James 3:5 – “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.”
- Proverbs 15:4 – “The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”
- 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.”
- Proverbs 21:23 – “Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.”
- Psalm 34:13 – “Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.”
- Proverbs 12:18 – “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
- 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.’”
- 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.”
- Colossians 4:6 – “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
- 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.”
- Proverbs 10:19 – “Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.”
- Psalm 141:3 – “Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.”
- Proverbs 13:3 – “Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.”
- James 3:6 – “The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body.”
- Proverbs 16:24 – “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
- Proverbs 17:27-28 – “The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.”
- Psalm 37:30 – “The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak what is just.”
- Proverbs 25:11 – “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.”
- Proverbs 29:20 – “Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them.”
- Isaiah 50:4 – “The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary.”
- 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.”
- Proverbs 15:1 – “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
- James 3:2 – “Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.”
- Proverbs 31:26 – “She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.”
- Job 27:4 – “My lips will not say anything wicked, and my tongue will not utter lies.”
- Psalm 19:14 – “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord.”
- Proverbs 22:11 – “One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend.”
- Titus 3:2 – “To slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.”
- Psalm 15:1-3 – “…who does not slander with their tongue, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others.”
- Jeremiah 9:8 – “Their tongue is a deadly arrow; it speaks deceitfully.”
- Proverbs 26:20 – “Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.”
- Zephaniah 3:13 – “They will do no wrong; they will tell no lies.”
- Proverbs 8:7-8 – “My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness.”
- Psalm 120:2 – “Save me, Lord, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues.”
- James 4:11 – “Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another.”
- Proverbs 14:3 – “A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them.”
- Matthew 5:37 – “All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”
- Psalm 39:1 – “I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin.”
- Proverbs 4:24 – “Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.”
Uncontrolled Tongue in the Bible
An uncontrolled tongue can destroy trust, ruin friendships, and cause division. James 3 paints a vivid picture of how the tongue, though small, can ignite massive destruction. Proverbs 18:6 warns that foolish speech invites trouble, while Psalm 52:2 describes a deceitful tongue as “a sharpened razor.” The Bible urges believers to avoid reckless, hurtful, or deceitful speech, choosing instead words that build up.
Bible Verses About Controlling Your Tongue
Controlling the tongue requires discipline and spiritual maturity. Scriptures like Proverbs 21:23 and Psalm 141:3 emphasize the importance of guarding our words. James 1:26 warns that failing to control the tongue renders a person’s religion useless. Prayer, meditation on God’s Word, and reliance on the Holy Spirit are essential in mastering speech.
The Destructive Power of the Tongue Bible Verse
One of the most striking warnings about the tongue is found in James 3:6: “The tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness… setting on fire the entire course of life.” Words can destroy reputations, marriages, and communities. Proverbs 12:18 compares reckless words to sword thrusts; sharp, painful, and damaging.
The Power of the Tongue Bible Verse
While the tongue can cause harm, it also has the power to bring life. Proverbs 18:21 declares that “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Our words can heal, inspire, and lead others to Christ. Speaking blessings, encouragement, and truth transforms hearts and situations.
Bible Verses About Mouth and Tongue
The Bible repeatedly links the mouth and tongue as sources of both good and evil. Matthew 12:34 teaches that “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks,” showing that our words reflect our inner condition. Proverbs 15:4 calls a gentle tongue “a tree of life,” reminding us to use our mouths as instruments of grace.
Conclusion
These 40 powerful Bible verses about tongues remind us that our speech matters. The tongue can be used to praise God, encourage others, and spread truth or to gossip, slander, and destroy. As believers, we are called to speak life, bless others, and use our words to glorify God.
Let’s pray for God’s help to control our tongues, speak wisely, and always let our words be full of grace.
Read also: 40 Powerful Prayer Points to Tame the Tongue
