What does the Bible say about idol words?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible warns that idle, careless, deceitful, and corrupt words reveal the heart and will be brought into God’s judgment, while gracious speech is to build others up and honor Him. Jesus teaches in Matthew 12:36 that people will give account for every careless word. Proverbs 10:19 commends restraint, and Ephesians 4:29 calls believers to speak only what is fitting for edification. Colossians 3:8 and Ephesians 5:6 reject abusive, filthy, and deceptive speech. James 1:26 and James 3:6 show that an unbridled tongue can expose false religion and spread great evil. Yet God supplies grace to cleanse hearts and train His people to pray, with Psalm 141:3, for a guarded mouth.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Matthew 12:36

    I tell you that every idle word that men speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.

  • Proverbs 10:19

    In the multitude of words there is no lack of disobedience, But he who restrains his lips does wisely.

  • 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.

  • Colossians 3:8

    but now you also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and shameful speaking out of your mouth.

  • Ephesians 5:6

    Let no one deceive you with empty words. For because of these things, the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience.

  • James 1:26

    If anyone among you thinks himself to be religious while he doesn't bridle his tongue, but deceives his heart, this man's religion is worthless.

  • Proverbs 15:4

    A gentle tongue is a tree of life, But deceit in it crushes the spirit.

  • James 3:6

    And the tongue is a fire. The world of iniquity among our members is the tongue, which defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature, and is set on fire by Gehenna.

  • Psalms 141:3

    Set a watch, Yahweh, before my mouth. Keep the door of my lips.

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