What Does the Bible Say About Effective Communication?

James 1:19 ESV / 266 helpful votes

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;

Colossians 4:6 ESV / 262 helpful votes

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Ephesians 4:29 ESV / 241 helpful votes

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Proverbs 18:13 ESV / 237 helpful votes

If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.

Proverbs 18:2 ESV / 231 helpful votes

A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.

Proverbs 15:1 ESV / 198 helpful votes

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 25:11 ESV / 195 helpful votes

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.

Proverbs 10:19 ESV / 152 helpful votes

When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.

Psalm 19:14 ESV / 150 helpful votes

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Proverbs 12:18 ESV / 146 helpful votes

There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Proverbs 18:21 ESV / 134 helpful votes

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

Colossians 3:8 ESV / 127 helpful votes

But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.

2 Timothy 2:16 ESV / 119 helpful votes

But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness,

Psalm 141:3 ESV / 108 helpful votes

Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!

Proverbs 16:23 ESV / 107 helpful votes

The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips.

2 Timothy 3:16 ESV / 101 helpful votes

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

Ephesians 4:15 ESV / 99 helpful votes

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,

Proverbs 15:4 ESV / 99 helpful votes

A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

Matthew 12:36 ESV / 98 helpful votes

I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak,

Proverbs 16:24 ESV / 92 helpful votes

Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

Philippians 4:8 ESV / 91 helpful votes

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Proverbs 15:28 ESV / 91 helpful votes

The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.

Ephesians 4:32 ESV / 89 helpful votes

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Romans 14:19 ESV / 89 helpful votes

So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.

Proverbs 12:25 ESV / 88 helpful votes

Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.

Proverbs 29:20 ESV / 87 helpful votes

Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

1 Peter 3:7 ESV / 84 helpful votes

Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

Ephesians 4:25 ESV / 82 helpful votes

Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.

Proverbs 21:23 ESV / 81 helpful votes

Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.

Proverbs 20:3 ESV / 78 helpful votes

It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling.

Luke 6:45 ESV / 77 helpful votes

The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

Titus 3:2 ESV / 75 helpful votes

To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV / 73 helpful votes

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

James 1:26 ESV / 71 helpful votes

If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV / 69 helpful votes

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Jeremiah 17:9 ESV / 69 helpful votes

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?

Proverbs 29:11 ESV / 69 helpful votes

A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.

Proverbs 17:27 ESV / 69 helpful votes

Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.

Proverbs 13:17 ESV / 68 helpful votes

A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV / 67 helpful votes

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Proverbs 15:2 ESV / 67 helpful votes

The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.

Matthew 12:37 ESV / 66 helpful votes

For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Exodus 20:16 ESV / 66 helpful votes

“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

Jeremiah 1:9 ESV / 64 helpful votes

Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth. And the Lord said to me, “Behold, I have put my words in your mouth.

Hebrews 4:12 ESV / 63 helpful votes

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

1 Corinthians 2:14 ESV / 62 helpful votes

The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.

Proverbs 27:17 ESV / 59 helpful votes

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

Proverbs 13:3 ESV / 59 helpful votes

Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.

Proverbs 12:22 ESV / 58 helpful votes

Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.

Proverbs 25:12 ESV / 57 helpful votes

Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear.

1 Corinthians 15:33 ESV / 56 helpful votes

Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”

Romans 1:20 ESV / 56 helpful votes

For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

Revelation 1:1 ESV / 55 helpful votes

The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,

Hebrews 1:1-3 ESV / 54 helpful votes

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

Galatians 6:1 ESV / 54 helpful votes

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.

Proverbs 17:28 ESV / 54 helpful votes

Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.

Hebrews 4:12-13 ESV / 52 helpful votes

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Proverbs 27:5-6 ESV / 52 helpful votes

Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.

Matthew 5:37 ESV / 51 helpful votes

Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.

Matthew 28:19-20 ESV / 49 helpful votes

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Proverbs 16:13 ESV / 49 helpful votes

Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right.

John 14:26 ESV / 46 helpful votes

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

James 1:19-20 ESV / 45 helpful votes

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

Proverbs 17:14 ESV / 45 helpful votes

The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out.

Philippians 2:3-4 ESV / 44 helpful votes

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Romans 12:18 ESV / 44 helpful votes

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

Proverbs 29:22 ESV / 44 helpful votes

A man of wrath stirs up strife, and one given to anger causes much transgression.

Proverbs 19:11 ESV / 43 helpful votes

Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.

Proverbs 15:1-2 ESV / 41 helpful votes

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.

James 3:8 ESV / 40 helpful votes

But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

Matthew 7:12 ESV / 40 helpful votes

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

Proverbs 18:8 ESV / 40 helpful votes

The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.

Proverbs 15:23 ESV / 40 helpful votes

To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!

1 Peter 3:10 ESV / 39 helpful votes

For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit;

John 15:26 ESV / 39 helpful votes

“But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me.

Ecclesiastes 7:21-22 ESV / 38 helpful votes

Do not take to heart all the things that people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you. Your heart knows that many times you yourself have cursed others.

Proverbs 14:1 ESV / 38 helpful votes

The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down.

Proverbs 11:12 ESV / 38 helpful votes

Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent.

Philippians 2:3 ESV / 37 helpful votes

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Proverbs 14:29 ESV / 37 helpful votes

Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.

Revelation 12:9 ESV / 36 helpful votes

And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.

Mark 10:9 ESV / 36 helpful votes

What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”

James 1:5 ESV / 35 helpful votes

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

Philippians 4:13 ESV / 35 helpful votes

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Hebrews 10:24 ESV / 34 helpful votes

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,

Proverbs 19:27 ESV / 32 helpful votes

Cease to hear instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.

Matthew 20:26 ESV / 31 helpful votes

It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,

Proverbs 19:20 ESV / 30 helpful votes

Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.

Ephesians 5:4 ESV / 29 helpful votes

Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.

John 6:63 ESV / 29 helpful votes

It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.

Proverbs 15:31 ESV / 29 helpful votes

The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise.

Galatians 6:9 ESV / 28 helpful votes

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

Proverbs 20:19 ESV / 27 helpful votes

Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.

Philippians 4:6 ESV / 26 helpful votes

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Acts 17:10-11 ESV / 25 helpful votes

The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.

Jeremiah 29:12 ESV / 25 helpful votes

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.

Proverbs 12:16 ESV / 25 helpful votes

The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult.

Genesis 3:7 ESV / 25 helpful votes

Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.

Luke 1:37 ESV / 24 helpful votes

For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Proverbs 25:15 ESV / 24 helpful votes

With patience a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue will break a bone.

100 Bible Verses about Effective Communication

James 1:19 ESV / 266 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Colossians 4:6 ESV / 262 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ephesians 4:29 ESV / 241 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 18:13 ESV / 237 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 18:2 ESV / 231 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 15:1 ESV / 198 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 25:11 ESV / 195 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 10:19 ESV / 152 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Psalm 19:14 ESV / 150 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 12:18 ESV / 146 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 18:21 ESV / 134 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Colossians 3:8 ESV / 127 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Timothy 2:16 ESV / 119 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Psalm 141:3 ESV / 108 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 16:23 ESV / 107 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Timothy 3:16 ESV / 101 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ephesians 4:15 ESV / 99 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 15:4 ESV / 99 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 12:36 ESV / 98 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 16:24 ESV / 92 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Philippians 4:8 ESV / 91 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 15:28 ESV / 91 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ephesians 4:32 ESV / 89 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 14:19 ESV / 89 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 12:25 ESV / 88 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 29:20 ESV / 87 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Peter 3:7 ESV / 84 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ephesians 4:25 ESV / 82 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 21:23 ESV / 81 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 20:3 ESV / 78 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Luke 6:45 ESV / 77 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Titus 3:2 ESV / 75 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV / 73 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

James 1:26 ESV / 71 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV / 69 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Jeremiah 17:9 ESV / 69 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 29:11 ESV / 69 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 17:27 ESV / 69 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 13:17 ESV / 68 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV / 67 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 15:2 ESV / 67 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 12:37 ESV / 66 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Exodus 20:16 ESV / 66 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Jeremiah 1:9 ESV / 64 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Hebrews 4:12 ESV / 63 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Corinthians 2:14 ESV / 62 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 27:17 ESV / 59 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 13:3 ESV / 59 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 12:22 ESV / 58 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 25:12 ESV / 57 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Corinthians 15:33 ESV / 56 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 1:20 ESV / 56 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Revelation 1:1 ESV / 55 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Hebrews 1:1-3 ESV / 54 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Galatians 6:1 ESV / 54 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 17:28 ESV / 54 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Hebrews 4:12-13 ESV / 52 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 27:5-6 ESV / 52 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 5:37 ESV / 51 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 28:19-20 ESV / 49 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 16:13 ESV / 49 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 14:26 ESV / 46 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

James 1:19-20 ESV / 45 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 17:14 ESV / 45 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Philippians 2:3-4 ESV / 44 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 12:18 ESV / 44 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 29:22 ESV / 44 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 19:11 ESV / 43 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 15:1-2 ESV / 41 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

James 3:8 ESV / 40 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 7:12 ESV / 40 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 18:8 ESV / 40 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 15:23 ESV / 40 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Peter 3:10 ESV / 39 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 15:26 ESV / 39 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ecclesiastes 7:21-22 ESV / 38 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 14:1 ESV / 38 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 11:12 ESV / 38 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Philippians 2:3 ESV / 37 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful