Today we will talk about verses in the Bible about the tongue. The tongue is a powerful tool in our lives, one that can either bless or hurt. It can build up or tear down, bring joy or cause pain. As Christians, it is crucial that we understand the immense weight our words carry. They reflect our hearts and can either align with God’s truth or stray far from it. So, as we meditate on these verses surrounding the tongue, let us open our hearts and ears to discern how we can use our words to reflect God’s love and grace in our lives and the lives of others. It’s worth taking the time to understand the power behind our words, and the Scriptures give us plenty of guidance on this matter!
Bible Verses About the Tongue
The Power of the Tongue
We know that our tongue holds great power. It has the ability to create and to destroy. The Bible teaches us to recognize the influence of our words, guiding us towards using our tongues to spread truth and love. We should strive to speak life into situations and people around us. When we speak, we must remember that our words should empower and uplift rather than harm. The tongue can serve as a tool for encouragement and guidance, shaping the world around us for the better. Let’s take this opportunity to explore what the Scriptures say about the power of the tongue.
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 3:5
“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
Proverbs 12:18
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” – Proverbs 12:18
Proverbs 15:4
“The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.” – Proverbs 15:4
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
Words of Encouragement
We often find ourselves in situations where the words of encouragement can lift our spirits and provide strength. The Bible reminds us that our tongue can be a source of hope and light for ourselves and those around us. Speaking words of encouragement can foster a culture of support and uplift the downtrodden. We can remind others of their worth, strength, and potential, using our words to inspire and motivate. Let’s uncover what God says about using our voices to share words of encouragement through Scripture.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Romans 15:2
“Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.” – Romans 15:2
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 16:24
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” – Proverbs 16:24
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
Guarding Our Words
As we navigate through life, part of our responsibility as followers of Christ involves guarding our words. We can often let our emotions dictate what comes out of our mouths. The Bible offers wisdom on how we can keep a watchful eye over our tongues to avoid spewing anger or frustration. By being mindful of our speech, we can practice patience and understanding and promote peace and love instead of chaos. Guarding our tongues can lead to healthier interactions and a more peaceful life. Let’s explore how the Scriptures guide us in this important lesson.
Psalms 141:3
“Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” – Psalms 141:3
Proverbs 21:23
“Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.” – Proverbs 21:23
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 10:19
“Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.” – Proverbs 10:19
Proverbs 17:28
“Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.” – Proverbs 17:28
Saying Sorry
We all make mistakes, and our tongues can sometimes lead us astray. It’s crucial that we learn how to apologize and ask for forgiveness when our words hurt others. Saying sorry is an important aspect of our faith journey. The Scriptures remind us that owning up to our mistakes is the right path to take. It’s a sign of humility and love, and it reflects the heart of Christ within us. Let’s discover how we can learn to say sorry and restore relationships through our tongues.
Matthew 5:23-24
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” – Matthew 5:23-24
Proverbs 28:13
“Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” – Proverbs 28:13
Luke 17:3
“So watch yourselves. If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them.” – Luke 17:3
James 5:16
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” – James 5:16
Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13
Speaking Truth
In a world that can often twist reality, we are called to be truth-tellers. Our tongues can and should be used to speak God’s truth to ourselves and others. It’s important for us to remember that speaking truth means aligning our words with God’s Word. When we speak the truth, we embrace honesty and integrity, reflecting the character of God. Let’s see what the Bible says about the beauty and importance of speaking truth through our tongues.
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 12:22
“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.” – Proverbs 12:22
John 8:32
“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” – John 8:32
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, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.” – Proverbs 6:16-19
Psalm 15:2
“The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart.” – Psalm 15:2
Speaking Life
We each have the gift of choice in every situation we encounter, and that includes how we choose to speak. Speaking life refers to using our tongues to share positivity, hope, and encouragement. The Bible directs us to speak words that inspire and bring joy rather than doubt and negativity. When we learn to speak life, we create a ripple effect that enhances our relationships and uplifts those around us. Let’s explore the Scriptures that highlight the beauty and importance of speaking life through our tongues.
Proverbs 18:20
“From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied.” – Proverbs 18:20
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
Proverbs 25:11
“Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a ruling rightly given.” – Proverbs 25:11
Proverbs 13:3
“Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.” – Proverbs 13:3
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
Listen Before Speaking
Listening is just as important as speaking, if not more so. God encourages us to be swift to listen and slow to speak. The time we take to truly listen to others allows us to respond with sincerity and understanding, rather than jumping to conclusions. By being intentional in our listening, we become better communicators and reflect Christ’s love more effectively in our interactions. Let’s discover what the Bible teaches us about the significance of listening before we speak through these verses.
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 19:20
“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end, you will be counted among the wise.” – Proverbs 19:20
Ecclesiastes 5:1
“Guard your steps when you go to the house of God; go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong.” – Ecclesiastes 5:1
Psalms 119:105
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” – Psalms 119:105
Speaking with Grace
When we speak, we can choose to do so with grace and kindness. The Bible teaches that our conversations can be a beautiful expression of God’s love. Our words can comfort the weary, heal the broken-hearted, and bring light to darkness when we choose to speak graciously. Cultivating a tone of grace allows us to create an atmosphere of acceptance and love that is pleasing to God and enriching to those around us. Let’s discover the strength of grace in our words through Scripture.
Colossians 3:6
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” – Colossians 3:6
Proverbs 11:30
“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and the one who is wise saves lives.” – Proverbs 11:30
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble.” – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” – James 1:5
Romans 12:14
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” – Romans 12:14
Final Thoughts
In our journey as followers of Christ, we have seen how critical our words are in shaping our lives and the lives of those around us. The verses reveal the incredible power of the tongue, reminding us of the importance of speaking life, truth, and grace. We’ve learned about the need for guarding our words, encouraging one another, and listening before we speak. Apologizing when we wrong others is a vital part of maintaining healthy relationships and reflecting the heart of Christ. Overall, the Scriptures encourage us to be intentional in our speech and use our tongues as tools for good rather than harm. Let’s embrace the positive use of our tongues, allowing our words to reflect love, kindness, and encouragement, as we strive to be like Christ in everything we say and do!
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
