Today we will talk about Bible verses about the tongue (NIV). Many Christians may not fully understand just how powerful our words can be. The tongue, though a small part of our body, can cause great good or harm. It is important to meditate on what the Scriptures say about how we communicate with one another. Our words can either uplift or tear down; they can spread love or foster division. As we explore these verses, we invite you to reflect on how we can honor God with our words and use our tongues wisely in our everyday lives. Let’s dive right into what the Bible has to say about this important topic!
Bible Verses About the Tongue (NIV)
The Power of Words
In our journey of faith, we often find ourselves in situations where the power of words is evident. The Bible emphasizes that our spoken words have the ability to shape our reality and the realities of those around us. We need to remember that the tongue, although small, holds a tremendous weight in the world. Each word we say can bring life or death, hope or despair. As we reflect on Bible verses about the tongue, let us commit to using this powerful tool to build each other up rather than pull each other down. Let’s learn to speak words that honor God, encourage others, and promote peace among us.
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 3:10
“Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.” – James 3:10
Proverbs 12:18
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” – Proverbs 12:18
Proverbs 21:23
“Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.” – Proverbs 21:23
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
The Importance of Speaking Truth
When we reflect on Bible verses about the tongue, we are reminded of the necessity of honesty. Speaking the truth is a vital part of our commitment as followers of Christ. God calls us to a life of integrity, and our words should reflect this truth. When we choose to speak honestly, we align ourselves with God’s character and promote trust within our relationships. The tongue can easily lead us astray with deceit or falsehood, but by remembering the importance of truth in our conversations, we can uphold God’s standard of righteousness. Let’s embrace this principle and aspire to reflect His light in all we say!
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
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
Colossians 3:9
“Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices.” – Colossians 3:9
Proverbs 6:16-19
“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood…” – Proverbs 6:16-19
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
Words That Build Up
As we navigate through life, we easily see how Bible verses about the tongue encourage us to use our words to uplift others. Encouragement can have a powerful impact on those around us. When we choose to speak kind and uplifting words, we not only bring joy to others, but we also create an atmosphere of love and support. Let’s remind ourselves that our words can be the light in someone’s dark day. By being mindful of what we say, we can become vessels of encouragement and blessings. We should strive to express our appreciation and offer positive reinforcement with our tongues!
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
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 15:23
“A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word!” – Proverbs 15:23
Hebrews 10:24
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24
Proverbs 25:11
“Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a ruling rightly given.” – Proverbs 25:11
The Dangers of Gossip
Gossip is a harmful use of the tongue that often leads us away from being faithful servants of Christ. The Bible warns us about the dangers of speaking negatively about others, as it causes division and pain. Engaging in gossip can hurt relationships and lead to misunderstandings and conflict. Instead of encouraging positive communication, gossip tends to elevate drama and negativity. As we meditate on Bible verses about the tongue, we must strive to avoid gossip and instead focus on promoting harmony and unity in our conversations. Let’s speak life, love, and understanding as we commit to this call!
Proverbs 20:19
“A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.” – Proverbs 20:19
James 4:11
“Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it.” – James 4:11
Proverbs 16:28
“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.” – Proverbs 16:28
Proverbs 17:9
“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.” – Proverbs 17:9
1 Timothy 5:13
“Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also busybodies who talk nonsense, saying things they ought not to.” – 1 Timothy 5:13
The Need for Tame Tongue
The challenge of taming our tongue is one that many of us grapple with. The Bible teaches us that controlling our speech is a marker of wisdom and maturity in our faith. When we can control what we say, we demonstrate our understanding of the impact our words can have. A tame tongue is one that chooses words carefully, speaks with intention, and refrains from harshness and negativity. In a world filled with careless speech, we are called to be different. Together, we can work towards taming our tongues in the light of God’s Word and showing kindness in our communication.
James 3:2
“We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.” – James 3:2
Proverbs 13:3
“Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.” – Proverbs 13:3
Proverbs 10:19
“Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.” – Proverbs 10:19
Proverbs 15:28
“The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.” – Proverbs 15:28
Psalm 141:3
“Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” – Psalm 141:3
Words of Praise
Our speech can also be a beautiful feature of our daily faith practice when we choose to express genuine words of praise. The Bible encourages us to glorify God and share our testimony with others through our words. Praising God not only nurtures our relationship with Him but also inspires those around us to look deeper into their own faith. When we use our tongues to share praise, we create an atmosphere where God’s goodness can shine through our lives. Let’s make it a habit to speak words of gratitude and encourage others in their walk with God!
Psalms 34:1
“I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.” – Psalms 34:1
Psalm 71:8
“My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long.” – Psalm 71:8
Psalms 119:171
“May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees.” – Psalms 119:171
Psalms 145:21
“My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.” – Psalms 145:21
Hebrews 13:15
“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.” – Hebrews 13:15
Building Relationships
The way we communicate with others forms the backbone of our relationships. As we explore Bible verses about the tongue, we realize the power our words hold in nurturing friendships and familial ties. A kind word can mend a broken heart, and our thoughtful speech shows love and compassion to those around us. By intentionally constructing our conversations to be loving and respectful, we can cultivate healthier and more meaningful relationships. Let’s commit to focusing on how our communication can reflect God’s love and strengthen our bonds with others!
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17
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 18:24
“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” – Proverbs 18:24
1 Corinthians 1:10
“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” – 1 Corinthians 1:10
Ephesians 4:3
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” – Ephesians 4:3
The Tongue and Our Inner Self
Finally, it’s crucial to understand the connection between our words and our inner self. The Bible teaches us that what flows from our mouths reflects our hearts. In every conversation, our tongues serve as a window into our thoughts and feelings. If we are grounded in God’s love and truth, our words will mirror that. On the other hand, if our hearts are filled with negativity, anger, or gossip, our speech can reflect that too. As we seek to build a deeper relationship with God, let’s also examine our hearts and ensure that what comes out of our mouths aligns with His truth and love.
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. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” – Luke 6:45
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
Proverbs 4:23
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” – Proverbs 4:23
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
Matthew 12:34
“You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” – Matthew 12:34
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the Bible verses about the tongue, we uncover the incredible significance of our words. Our speech holds the power to build up or tear down, encourage or discourage, and reflect our inner selves. Together, let’s pursue a life that honors God through our communication. Remember to choose your words wisely, speak truthfully, and express praise, as these are ways we express our faith and love. We can foster unity, build relationships, and share God’s light through our conversations.
In the busyness of life, let us strive to tame our tongues and direct our speech in a way that glorifies God. We have an opportunity to embody His love through our words and actions each day. May we continue to learn, grow, and evolve in our ability to communicate effectively and with kindness.
Together, as we lean on God’s Word and guidance, we can create an environment steeped in love, understanding, and grace through our speech. Let’s boldly share the beauty of God’s truth with the world around us!
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
