Today we will talk about Bible verses about controlling the tongue. Many Christians do not know what this means. It’s crucial to understand that our words hold power; they can encourage, uplift, or even hurt others. As we dive into Scripture, let’s meditate on how we can control our tongues, using our words to spread love and kindness. The Bible guides us to be careful with our speech and reminds us of the importance of speaking in a way that reflects our faith in God.
Bible Verses About Controlling the Tongue
The Power of Words
Words are incredibly powerful. They can build someone up or tear them down. In our journey of faith, we realize that every time we speak, we have a choice. The Bible warns us about the impact our words can have on others and ourselves. When we understand the significance of our words, we can better control our tongues to align with God’s teachings. It’s a reminder that our speech should be thoughtful and loving, serving as a reflection of our hearts and what we believe. Let’s explore how the power of words is highlighted in the Bible, reminding us to choose our words wisely.
Proverbs 18:21
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” – Proverbs 18:21
James 1:26
“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.” – James 1:26
Proverbs 12:18
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” – Proverbs 12:18
Ephesians 4:29
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” – Ephesians 4:29
Proverbs 15:4
“The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.” – Proverbs 15:4
The Nature of the Tongue
The Bible teaches us about the nature of the tongue, explaining its tendencies and risks. We see that our tongues can easily lead us astray; they can become instruments of negativity if we are not careful. In Philippians, Paul encourages us to think about what’s true and praiseworthy. The best way to control our tongue is to fill our hearts with good things. Remember, the nature of our speech reflects the inner condition of our hearts. Also, as we reflect on the nature of the tongue, we must take to heart how our words can either glorify or dishonor God.
James 3:5
“Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark!” – James 3:5
Psalm 34:13
“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.” – Psalm 34:13
Proverbs 21:23
“Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.” – Proverbs 21:23
James 3:8
“But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” – James 3:8
Matthew 12:36
“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.” – Matthew 12:36
Wisdom in Speech
We are called to be wise with our words. Wisdom from God can guide us in our conversations, helping us navigate tricky discussions with grace. It’s essential to listen more than we speak, as Scripture encourages. By doing so, we cultivate stronger relationships and unity within our communities. Choosing wisdom means choosing to respond thoughtfully instead of reacting impulsively. When we practice wisdom in our speech, we choose to honor God and those around us with every word we say.
Proverbs 10:19
“Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.” – Proverbs 10:19
Proverbs 15:23
“A person finds joy in giving an apt reply—and how good is a timely word!” – Proverbs 15:23
Colossians 4:6
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” – Colossians 4:6
Proverbs 16:24
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” – Proverbs 16:24
Proverbs 29:20
“Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them.” – Proverbs 29:20
The Importance of Listening
Listening is just as vital as speaking wisely. Sometimes, the best way to control our tongues is to pause and listen. This approach not only allows us to understand the hearts and minds of others better, but it also gives us the space to respond lovingly and appropriately. The Bible teaches us to be quick to listen and slow to speak. In doing this, we can become more compassionate friends and effective communicators, ultimately demonstrating Christ-like love in our interactions.
James 1:19
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” – James 1:19
Proverbs 18:13
“To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.” – Proverbs 18:13
Proverbs 1:5
“Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.” – Proverbs 1:5
Ecclesiastes 3:7
“A time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak.” – Ecclesiastes 3:7
Proverbs 15:28
“The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.” – Proverbs 15:28
Speaking Truthfully
Being truthful in our speech is another significant aspect of controlling the tongue. The Bible teaches us to speak the truth in love, sharing our thoughts with honesty while also considering the feelings of others. Truthful speech fosters trust and strengthens relationships. In a world filled with misconceptions, we can shine God’s light by embracing honesty in our words. This principle reminds us that we should not only value the truth ourselves but also strive to communicate it gently and respectfully to others.
Ephesians 4:15
“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” – Ephesians 4:15
Proverbs 24:26
“An honest answer is like a warm hug.” – Proverbs 24:26
Zechariah 8:16
“These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts.” – Zechariah 8:16
Proverbs 28:23
“Whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain favor rather than one who has a flattering tongue.” – Proverbs 28:23
1 Peter 3:10
“For whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.” – 1 Peter 3:10
Kindness in Our Speech
Integrating kindness into our speech can go a long way in improving our relationships with others. When we choose words that are kind and gentle, we reflect God’s love and grace. This theme runs throughout Scripture, reminding us that our goal should be to uplift and not to hurt. We can use soft words to diffuse tension, encouraging those around us with our speech. Speaking kindly is a form of worship to God, showing our gratitude for His love and mercy while shining His light to others.
Colossians 3:12
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” – Colossians 3:12
Proverbs 16:21
“The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction.” – Proverbs 16:21
Proverbs 31:26
“She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.” – Proverbs 31:26
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
Titus 3:2
“To slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.” – Titus 3:2
Guarding Our Hearts
To control our tongues effectively, we must prioritize guarding our hearts. Jesus teaches us that what fills our hearts comes out in our speech. We must cultivate our inner lives by embracing faith and allowing God’s Word to transform us. By doing this, we will naturally speak in ways that honor Him and bless those around us. It’s essential to fill our hearts with God’s love, grace, and truth, which in turn shapes the words we choose. Let’s focus on what’s pure and lovely, allowing those thoughts to flow through our conversations.
Luke 6:45
“A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart.” – Luke 6:45
Proverbs 4:23
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” – Proverbs 4:23
Matthew 15:18
“But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them.” – Matthew 15:18
Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8
Colossians 3:2
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” – Colossians 3:2
Encouragement for Others
Lastly, one of the best uses of our tongues is to encourage others. Being a source of encouragement can lift the spirits of those around us and help them to feel valued and loved. The Bible reminds us to take every opportunity to encourage one another, especially when someone is feeling down. Speaking words of hope can make a difference in someone’s life. As we work on controlling our tongues, let’s focus on being that positive voice in our communities, sharing words that build faith and strength in others.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Hebrews 3:13
“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” – Hebrews 3:13
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17
Romans 1:12
“That is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.” – Romans 1:12
Proverbs 12:25
“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.” – Proverbs 12:25
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, controlling our tongues is a vital aspect of living a faithful and fruitful Christian life. As we have explored various Bible verses together, it’s clear that what we speak reflects the state of our hearts. By embracing the teachings of Scripture, we can learn to be wise in our speech, listening intently, speaking the truth, and encouraging others. Let us always strive to use our words to honor God and build each other up. Through patience, love, and a commitment to guard our hearts, we can transform our speech and shape our communities. Together, we can use our tongues to spread light and joy in a world that often needs it the most.
May we find strength and inspiration in God’s Word as we journey together toward better communication that aligns with His will. Let’s make it our goal to be a blessing to those around us through every word we speak.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
