Bible – Bible Society of Zimbabwe

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.

The Bible is rich with wisdom regarding the power of our words. Throughout Scripture, we are reminded that the tongue—though small—holds the capacity to uplift, destroy, heal, or harm. The words we speak can shape destinies, mend relationships, or cause deep wounds. Let’s explore seven Bible verses that illuminate the profound power of the tongue.

1. Proverbs 18:21 – “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”

The words we choose to speak can bring encouragement, love, and healing, or they can cause hurt, division, and destruction. The “fruits” we reap from our words reflect their power—whether for good or ill.

2. James 3:5-6 – “So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness.”

Although it is a small part of the body, the tongue can cause significant harm, much like a small spark can ignite an entire forest fire. James warns believers of the dangers of careless speech, reminding us that words can spread like wildfire, causing damage that can be difficult to undo.

3. Proverbs 12:18 – “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”

Words spoken in haste or anger can cut deeply, inflicting pain and damage similar to physical wounds. Conversely, wise and thoughtful words can bring comfort, peace, and restoration, highlighting the importance of controlling our speech and choosing our words carefully.

4. Ephesians 4:29 – “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.”

We are urged to avoid corrupting or harmful talk and instead speak in ways that edify and encourage others. Words have the power to build up or tear down, and we are encouraged to use our speech to impart grace and support to those around us.

5. Proverbs 15:4 – “A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.”

A gentle tongue, like a tree of life, offers nourishment, strength, and growth. In contrast, perverse or harsh speech can crush a person’s spirit, leading to discouragement and despair. The verse encourages us to speak with kindness and gentleness, fostering life and growth in others.

6. Matthew 12:36-37 – “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Jesus’ words in Matthew are a sobering reminder of the accountability we have for our speech. Every word we speak—careless or otherwise—will be subject to judgment. Our words reflect our hearts, and they play a role in our justification or condemnation. This verse underscores the importance of being mindful of our speech, knowing that it has eternal consequences.

7. Proverbs 16:24 – “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”

Words that are kind, loving, and considerate are likened to honeycomb—sweet and nourishing, bringing joy and health to both the speaker and the listener. The verse encourages us to speak in ways that bring sweetness and well-being to others, reflecting the love and grace of God through our words.

Conclusion

The Bible consistently teaches that the tongue, though small, wields immense power. It can bring life or death, healing or harm, joy or sorrow. As followers of Christ, we are called to use our words wisely, to speak life, and to reflect God’s love through our speech. By guarding our tongues and choosing our words carefully, we can positively influence those around us and honor God with our speech.

1 A gentle answer quiets anger, but a harsh one stirs it up.

2 When wise people speak, they make knowledge attractive, but stupid people spout nonsense.

3 The Lord sees what happens everywhere; he is watching us, whether we do good or evil.

7 Bible Verses about The Power of the Tongue

The Bible consistently teaches that the tongue, though small, wields immense power. It can bring life or death, healing or harm, joy or sorrow. As followers of Christ, we are called to use our words wisely, to speak life, and to reflect God's love through our speech. By guarding our tongues and choosing our words carefully, we can positively influence those around us and honor God with our speech.

Kind words bring life, but cruel words crush your spirit.

5 It is foolish to ignore what your parents taught you; it is wise to accept their correction.

6 Righteous people keep their wealth, but the wicked lose theirs when hard times come.

7 Knowledge is spread by people who are wise, not by fools.

8 The Lord is pleased when good people pray, but hates the sacrifices that the wicked bring him.

9 The Lord hates the ways of evil people, but loves those who do what is right.

10 If you do what is wrong, you will be severely punished; you will die if you do not let yourself be corrected.

11 Not even the world of the dead can keep the Lord from knowing what is there; how then can we hide our thoughts from God?

12 Conceited people do not like to be corrected; they never ask for advice from those who are wiser.

13 When people are happy, they smile, but when they are sad, they look depressed.

14 Intelligent people want to learn, but stupid people are satisfied with ignorance.

15 The life of the poor is a constant struggle, but happy people always enjoy life.

16 Better to be poor and fear the Lord than to be rich and in trouble.

17 Better to eat vegetables with people you love than to eat the finest meat where there is hate.

18 Hot tempers cause arguments, but patience brings peace.

19 If you are lazy, you will meet difficulty everywhere, but if you are honest, you will have no trouble.

20 Wise children make their fathers happy. Only fools despise their mothers.

21 Stupid people are happy with their foolishness, but the wise will do what is right.

22 Get all the advice you can, and you will succeed; without it you will fail.

23 What a joy it is to find just the right word for the right occasion!

24 Wise people walk the road that leads upward to life, not the road that leads downward to death.

25 The Lord will destroy the homes of arrogant men, but he will protect a widow's property.

26 The Lord hates evil thoughts, but he is pleased with friendly words.

27 Try to make a profit dishonestly, and you get your family in trouble. Don't take bribes and you will live longer.

28 Good people think before they answer. Evil people have a quick reply, but it causes trouble.

29 When good people pray, the Lord listens, but he ignores those who are evil.

30 Smiling faces make you happy, and good news makes you feel better.

31 If you pay attention when you are corrected, you are wise.

32 If you refuse to learn, you are hurting yourself. If you accept correction, you will become wiser.

33 Reverence for the Lord is an education in itself. You must be humble before you can ever receive honors.

The Lord Sees Everything

1 A kind answer

soothes angry feelings,

but harsh words

stir them up.

2 Words of wisdom

come from the wise,

but fools speak foolishness.

3 The Lord sees everything,

whether good or bad.

4 Kind words are good medicine,

but deceitful words

can really hurt.

5 Don't be a fool

and disobey your parents.

Be smart! Accept correction.

6 Good people become wealthy,

but those who are evil

will lose what they have.

7 Words of wisdom

make good sense;

the thoughts of a fool

make no sense at all.

8 The Lord is disgusted

by gifts from the wicked,

but it makes him happy

when his people pray.

9 The Lord is disgusted

with all who do wrong,

but he loves everyone

who does right.

10 If you turn from the right way,

you will be punished;

if you refuse correction,

you will die.

11 If the Lord can see everything

in the world of the dead,

he can see in our hearts.

12 Those who sneer at others

don't like to be corrected,

and they won't ask help

from someone with sense.

13 Happiness makes you smile;

sorrow can crush you.

14 Anyone with good sense

is eager to learn more,

but fools are hungry

for foolishness.

15 The poor have a hard life,

but being content is as good

as an endless feast.

16 It's better to obey the Lord

and have only a little,

than to be very rich

and terribly anxious.

17 A simple meal with love

is better than a feast

where there is hatred.

18 Losing your temper

causes a lot of trouble,

but staying calm

settles arguments.

19 A lazy person refuses

to clear a thorny path,

but everyone who does right

walks on a smooth road.

20 Children with good sense

make their parents happy,

but foolish children

despise them.

21 Stupidity brings happiness

to senseless fools,

but everyone with good sense

follows the straight path.

22 Without good advice

everything goes wrong—

it takes careful planning

for things to go right.

23 Giving the right answer

at the right time

makes everyone happy.

24 All who are wise follow a road

that leads upward to life

and away from death.

25 The Lord destroys the homes

of those who are proud,

but he protects the property

of widows.

26 The Lord hates evil thoughts,

but kind words please him.

27 Being greedy causes trouble

for your family,

but you protect yourself

by refusing bribes.

28 Good people think

before they answer,

but the wicked speak evil

without ever thinking.

29 The Lord never even hears

the prayers of the wicked,

but he answers the prayers

of all who obey him.

30 A friendly smile

makes you happy,

and good news

makes you feel strong.

31 Healthy correction is good,

and if you accept it,

you will be wise.

32 You hurt only yourself

by rejecting instruction,

but it makes good sense

to accept it.

33 Showing respect to the Lord

will make you wise,

and being humble

will bring honor to you.