What does the Bible say about harsh words?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible warns that harsh words flow from sinful anger and can wound deeply, while calling God’s people to speak with gentleness, truth, and grace. Proverbs 15:1 teaches that a soft answer turns away wrath, whereas harsh speech stirs it up. Proverbs 12:18 compares reckless words to sword thrusts, but wise speech brings healing. James 1:19-20 urges believers to be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, since human anger does not produce God’s righteousness. In Christ, we are to put away bitterness, rage, slander, and corrupting talk, using words that build others up and give grace, as Ephesians 4:29-31 teaches.
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.
- Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for building up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear.
- Proverbs 29:11
A fool vents all of his anger, But a wise man brings himself under control.
- Proverbs 12:18
There is one who speaks rashly like the piercing of a sword, But the tongue of the wise heals.
- James 1:19-20
[19] So, then, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; [20] for the anger of man doesn't produce the righteousness of God.
- Proverbs 15:18
A wrathful man stirs up contention, But one who is slow to anger appeases strife.
- Ephesians 4:31
Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander, be put away from you, with all malice.
- James 1:20
for the anger of man doesn't produce the righteousness of God.
- Colossians 3:8
but now you also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and shameful speaking out of your mouth.
- Psalms 37:8
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath. Don't fret, it leads only to evildoing.
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