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.

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.

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.

1 The preparations of the heart are in man: but the answere of the tongue is of the Lord. 2 All the wayes of a man are cleane in his owne eyes: but the Lord pondereth the spirits. 3 Commit thy workes vnto the Lord, and thy thoughts shalbe directed. 4 The Lord hath made all things for his owne sake: yea, euen the wicked for the day of euill. 5 All that are proude in heart, are an abomination to the Lord: though hand ioyne in hand, he shall not be vnpunished. 6 By mercy and trueth iniquitie shalbe forgiuen, and by the feare of the Lord they depart from euill. 7 When the wayes of a man please the Lord, he will make also his enemies at peace with him. 8 Better is a litle with righteousnesse, then great reuenues without equitie. 9 The heart of man purposeth his way: but the Lord doeth direct his steppes. 10 A diuine sentence shalbe in the lips of the King: his mouth shall not transgresse in iudgement. 11 A true weight and balance are of the Lord: all the weightes of the bagge are his worke. 12 It is an abomination to Kings to commit wickednes: for the throne is stablished by iustice. 13 Righteous lips are the delite of Kings, and the King loueth him that speaketh right things. 14 The wrath of a King is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacifie it. 15 In the light of the Kings coutenance is life: and his fauour is as a cloude of the latter raine. 16 Howe much better is it to get wisedome then golde? and to get vnderstanding, is more to be desired then siluer. 17 The pathe of the righteous is to decline from euil, and hee keepeth his soule, that keepeth his way. 18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an high minde before the fall. 19 Better it is to be of humble minde with the lowly, then to deuide the spoyles with the proude. 20 He that is wise in his busines, shall finde good: and he that trusteth in the Lord, he is blessed. 21 The wise in heart shall bee called prudent: and the sweetenesse of the lippes shall increase doctrine. 22 Vnderstading is welspring of life vnto them that haue it: and the instruction of fooles is folly. 23 The heart of the wise guideth his mouth wisely, and addeth doctrine to his lippes. 24

Faire wordes are as an hony combe, sweetenesse to the soule, and health to the bones. 25 There is a way that seemeth right vnto man: but the issue thereof are the wayes of death. 26 The person that traueileth, traueileth for himselfe: for his mouth craueth it of him. 27 A wicked man diggeth vp euill, and in his lippes is like burning fire. 28 A frowarde person soweth strife: and a tale teller maketh diuision among princes. 29 A wicked man deceiueth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good. 30 He shutteth his eyes to deuise wickednes: he moueth his lippes, and bringeth euil to passe. 31 Age is a crowne of glory, when it is founde in the way of righteousnes. 32 He that is slowe vnto anger, is better then the mightie man: and hee that ruleth his owne minde, is better then he that winneth a citie. 33 The lot is cast into the lap: but the whole disposition thereof is of the Lord.

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.