What Does the Bible Say About What We Speak?

Proverbs 18:21 ESV / 44 helpful votes

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

Matthew 12:37 ESV / 33 helpful votes

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

Proverbs 13:3 ESV / 32 helpful votes

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

James 3:8-9 ESV / 13 helpful votes

But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.

1 Corinthians 14:1-40 ESV / 10 helpful votes

Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up. ...

Psalm 19:14 ESV / 7 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.

Ephesians 4:29 ESV / 6 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.

Colossians 4:5-6 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Acts 22:16 ESV / 4 helpful votes

And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’

Matthew 25:41 ESV / 2 helpful votes

“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.

Romans 13:1-7 ESV / 1 helpful vote

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. ...

11 Bible Verses about What We Speak

Proverbs 18:21 ESV / 44 helpful votes

Matthew 12:37 ESV / 33 helpful votes

Proverbs 13:3 ESV / 32 helpful votes

James 3:8-9 ESV / 13 helpful votes

1 Corinthians 14:1-40 ESV / 10 helpful votes

Psalm 19:14 ESV / 7 helpful votes

Ephesians 4:29 ESV / 6 helpful votes

Colossians 4:5-6 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Acts 22:16 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Matthew 25:41 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Romans 13:1-7 ESV / 1 helpful vote

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11 Bible Verses about What We Speak

Proverbs 18:21 ESV / 44 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 12:37 ESV / 33 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 13:3 ESV / 32 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

James 3:8-9 ESV / 13 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Corinthians 14:1-40 ESV / 10 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Psalm 19:14 ESV / 7 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ephesians 4:29 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Colossians 4:5-6 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Acts 22:16 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 25:41 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 13:1-7 ESV / 1 helpful vote Helpful Not Helpful

Suggest a Verse

Enter a Verse Reference (e.g., John 3:16-17)

Proverbs 18:21 ESV / 44 helpful votes

Matthew 12:37 ESV / 33 helpful votes

Proverbs 13:3 ESV / 32 helpful votes

James 3:8-9 ESV / 13 helpful votes

1 Corinthians 14:1-40 ESV / 10 helpful votes

Psalm 19:14 ESV / 7 helpful votes

Ephesians 4:29 ESV / 6 helpful votes

Colossians 4:5-6 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Acts 22:16 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Matthew 25:41 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Romans 13:1-7 ESV / 1 helpful vote