What does the Bible say about talking?

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The Bible teaches that our words reveal the heart and should be governed by truth, love, self-control, and a desire to build others up. Ephesians 4:29 calls believers to speak what gives grace to those who hear, while Proverbs 10:19 and 13:3 commend restraint rather than careless abundance of speech. Jesus teaches in Matthew 5:37 that our speech should be plain and truthful, and in Matthew 12:36-37 that we will answer for idle words. Proverbs 12:18 contrasts rash speech that wounds with wise words that heal. Because Matthew 15:18 locates sinful speech in the heart, Christians need the renewing grace of Christ to speak faithfully.

Top passages, ranked by readers

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

  • 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 10:19

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

  • Matthew 5:37

    But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes' and your 'No' be 'no.' Whatever is more than these is of the evil one.

  • Proverbs 13:3

    He who guards his mouth guards his soul. One who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.

  • Proverbs 17:9

    He who covers an offense promotes love; But he who repeats a matter separates best friends.

  • Psalms 39:1

    > I said, "I will watch my ways, so that I don't sin with my tongue. I will keep my mouth with a bridle while the wicked is before me."

  • Proverbs 12:18

    There is one who speaks rashly like the piercing of a sword, But the tongue of the wise heals.

  • Matthew 12:36-37

    [36] I tell you that every idle word that men speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. [37] For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."

  • Matthew 15:18

    But the things which proceed out of the mouth come out of the heart, and they defile the man.

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