What does the Bible say about negative words?

Top passages, ranked by readers

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

• Proverbs 18:21

  Death and life are in the power of the tongue; Those who love it will eat its fruit.

• Ephesians 5:4

  nor filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not appropriate; but rather giving of thanks.

• 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 18:1-24

  [1] An unfriendly man pursues selfishness, And defies all sound judgment. [2] A fool has no delight in understanding, But only in revealing his own opinion. [3] When wickedness comes, contempt also comes, And with shame comes disgrace. [4] The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters. The fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook. [5] To be partial to the faces of the wicked is not good, Nor to deprive the innocent of justice. [6] A fool's lips come into strife, And his mouth invites beatings. [7] A fool's mouth is his destruction, And his lips are a snare to his soul. [8] The words of a gossip are like dainty morsels: They go down into a person's innermost parts. [9] One who is slack in his work Is brother to him who is a master of destruction. [10] The name of Yahweh is a strong tower: The righteous run to him, and are safe. [11] The rich man's wealth is his strong city, Like an unscalable wall in his own imagination. [12] Before destruction the heart of man is proud, But before honor is humility. [13] He who gives answer before he hears, That is folly and shame to him. [14] A man's spirit will sustain him in sickness, But a crushed spirit, who can bear? [15] The heart of the discerning gets knowledge. The ear of the wise seeks knowledge. [16] A man's gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men. [17] He who pleads his cause first seems right; Until another comes and questions him. [18] The lot settles disputes, And keeps strong ones apart. [19] A brother offended is more difficult than a fortified city; And disputes are like the bars of a castle. [20] A man's stomach is filled with the fruit of his mouth. With the harvest of his lips he is satisfied. [21] Death and life are in the power of the tongue; Those who love it will eat its fruit. [22] Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor of Yahweh. [23] The poor plead for mercy, But the rich answer harshly. [24] A man of many companions may be ruined, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

• Philippians 4:8

  Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things.

• Matthew 15:11

  That which enters into the mouth doesn't defile the man; but that which proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the man."

• Exodus 21:17

  "Anyone who curses his father or his mother shall surely be put to death.

• 2 Timothy 4:2

  preach the word; be urgent in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all patience and teaching.

• Romans 12:2

  Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.

• Jeremiah 29:11

  For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says Yahweh, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope in your latter end.

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