What does the Bible say about unkind words?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible warns that unkind words wound others, reveal the heart’s sin, and dishonor the God who calls his people to speak with grace and truth. Ephesians 4:29 urges believers to use words that build others up and give grace, while Proverbs 12:18 contrasts reckless speech with the healing tongue of the wise. A gentle answer can turn away anger, yet harsh words stir it up (Proverbs 15:1). Because death and life are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21), Christians should be quick to hear, slow to speak, and prayerfully ask God to guard their mouths (James 1:19; Psalms 141:3). Through Christ’s renewing grace, believers learn to bless rather than wound.
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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 12:18
There is one who speaks rashly like the piercing of a sword, But the tongue of the wise heals.
- Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.
- Psalms 141:3
Set a watch, Yahweh, before my mouth. Keep the door of my lips.
- Proverbs 15:28
The heart of the righteous weighs answers, But the mouth of the wicked gushes out evil.
- Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue; Those who love it will eat its fruit.
- James 1:19
So, then, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger;
- Matthew 12:35
The good man out of his good treasure brings out good things, and the evil man out of his evil treasure brings out evil things.
- James 3:10
Out of the same mouth comes forth blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.
- James 3:8
But nobody can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
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