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 We may make our plans, but God has the last word.

2 You may think everything you do is right, but the Lord judges your motives.

3 Ask the Lord to bless your plans, and you will be successful in carrying them out.

4 Everything the Lord has made has its destiny; and the destiny of the wicked is destruction.

5 The Lord hates everyone who is arrogant; he will never let them escape punishment.

6 Be loyal and faithful, and God will forgive your sin. Obey the Lord and nothing evil will happen to you.

7 When you please the Lord, you can make your enemies into friends.

8 It is better to have a little, honestly earned, than to have a large income, dishonestly gained.

7 Bible Verses to Start Your Day

When you wake up in the morning, start your day with a verse from the Bible. Before you get out of bed, take a moment to pray.

9 You may make your plans, but God directs your actions.

10 The king speaks with divine authority; his decisions are always right.

11 The Lord wants weights and measures to be honest and every sale to be fair.

12 Kings cannot tolerate evil, because justice is what makes a government strong.

13 A king wants to hear the truth and will favor those who speak it.

14 A wise person will try to keep the king happy; if the king becomes angry, someone may die.

15 The king's favor is like the clouds that bring rain in the springtime—life is there.

16 It is better—much better—to have wisdom and knowledge than gold and silver.

17 Those who are good travel a road that avoids evil; so watch where you are going—it may save your life.

18 Pride leads to destruction, and arrogance to downfall.

19 It is better to be humble and stay poor than to be one of the arrogant and get a share of their loot.

20 Pay attention to what you are taught, and you will be successful; trust in the Lord and you will be happy.

21 A wise, mature person is known for his understanding. The more pleasant his words, the more persuasive he is.

22 Wisdom is a fountain of life to the wise, but trying to educate stupid people is a waste of time.

23 Intelligent people think before they speak; what they say is then more persuasive.

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 are like honey—sweet to the taste and good for your health.

25 What you think is the right road may lead to death.

26 A laborer's appetite makes him work harder, because he wants to satisfy his hunger.

27 Evil people look for ways to harm others; even their words burn with evil.

28 Gossip is spread by wicked people; they stir up trouble and break up friendships.

29 Violent people deceive their friends and lead them to disaster.

30 Watch out for people who grin and wink at you; they have thought of something evil.

31 Long life is the reward of the righteous; gray hair is a glorious crown.

32 It is better to be patient than powerful. It is better to win control over yourself than over whole cities.

33 People cast lots to learn God's will, but God himself determines the answer.

The Lord Has the Final Word

1 We humans make plans,

but the Lord

has the final word.

2 We may think we know

what is right,

but the Lord is the judge

of our motives.

3 Share your plans with the Lord,

and you will succeed.

4 The Lord has a reason

for everything he does,

and he lets evil people live

only to be punished.

5 The Lord doesn't like

anyone who is conceited—

you can be sure

they will be punished.

6 If we truly love God,

our sins will be forgiven;

if we show him respect,

we will keep away from sin.

7 When we please the Lord,

even our enemies

make friends with us.

8 It's better to be honest

and poor

than to be dishonest

and rich.

9 We make our own plans,

but the Lord decides

where we will go.

10 Rulers speak with authority

and are never wrong.

11 The Lord watches to see

if we are fair

or if we cheat others.

12 Justice makes rulers powerful.

They should hate evil

13 and like honesty and truth.

14 An angry ruler

can put you to death.

So be wise!

Don't make one angry.

15 When a ruler is happy

and pleased with you,

it's like refreshing rain,

and you will live.

16 It's much better to be wise

and sensible

than to be rich.

17 God's people avoid evil ways,

and they protect themselves

by watching where they go.

18 Too much pride

will destroy you.

19 You are better off

to be humble and poor

than to get rich

from what you take by force.

20 If you know what you're doing,

you will prosper.

God blesses everyone

who trusts him.

21 Good judgment proves

that you are wise,

and if you speak kindly,

you can teach others.

22 Good sense is a fountain

that gives life,

but fools are punished

by their foolishness.

23 You can persuade others

if you are wise

and speak sensibly.

24 Kind words are like honey—

they cheer you up

and make you feel strong.

25 Sometimes what seems right

is really a road to death.

26 The hungrier you are,

the harder you work.

27 Worthless people plan trouble.

Even their words burn

like a flaming fire.

28 Gossip is no good!

It causes hard feelings

and comes between friends.

29 Don't trust violent people.

They will mislead you

to do the wrong thing.

30 When someone winks

or grins behind your back,

trouble is on the way.

31 Gray hair is a glorious crown

worn by those

who have lived right.

32 Controlling your temper

is better than being a hero

who captures a city.

33 We make our own decisions,

but the Lord alone

determines what happens.