What does the Bible say about the tongue?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that our words reveal the condition of our hearts and carry power either to harm or to give life, so believers must speak with truth, love, and self-control. Proverbs 18:21 warns that death and life are in the power of the tongue, while Proverbs 12:18 and 15:4 contrast reckless speech with healing words. James 3:6-8 exposes the tongue's sinful, untamable danger, driving us to depend on God's grace rather than self-confidence. True faith includes bridling the tongue, as James 1:26 teaches. Therefore, Christians should guard their speech, avoid needless words, and use language that builds others up, as Ephesians 4:29 and 1 Peter 3:10 command.
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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.
- 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 12:18
There is one who speaks rashly like the piercing of a sword, But the tongue of the wise heals.
- 1 Peter 3:10
For, "He who would love life, And see good days, Let him keep his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit.
- James 3:8
But nobody can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
- 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 15:4
A gentle tongue is a tree of life, But deceit in it crushes the spirit.
- Proverbs 21:23
Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue Keeps his soul from troubles.
- Proverbs 10:19
In the multitude of words there is no lack of disobedience, But he who restrains his lips does wisely.
- 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.
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