What does the Bible say about talking too much?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible warns that excessive speech easily leads to sin and calls God’s people to speak with restraint, wisdom, truth, and love. Proverbs 10:19 teaches that many words invite transgression, while Proverbs 17:28 shows that even a fool may seem wise when silent. James 1:19 urges believers to be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger. Scripture does not commend cold silence, but speech governed by the fear of the Lord and used to build others up. Proverbs 21:23 and 13:3 connect guarded speech with protection and life, while Psalm 141:3 rightly becomes our prayer: “Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth.”
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Proverbs 10:19
In the multitude of words there is no lack of disobedience, But he who restrains his lips does wisely.
- Proverbs 17:28
Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is counted wise. When he shuts his lips, he is thought to be discerning.
- Proverbs 18:2
A fool has no delight in understanding, But only in revealing his own opinion.
- James 1:19
So, then, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger;
- Proverbs 21:23
Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue Keeps his soul from troubles.
- Psalms 141:3
Set a watch, Yahweh, before my mouth. Keep the door of my lips.
- Proverbs 29:20
Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
- 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 13:3
He who guards his mouth guards his soul. One who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.
- Ecclesiastes 5:2
Don't be rash with your mouth, and don't let your heart be hasty to utter anything before God; for God is in heaven, and you on earth. Therefore let your words be few.
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