The tongue.
It is a small organ, yet it wields power capable of building or tearing empires down.
It’s a firestarter, a truth-teller, and sometimes, a dagger.
We use it to comfort a friend, sing praises, or—if unchecked—spread destruction.
The Bible recognizes the tongue as a force that can be harnessed for both incredible good and devastating harm.
It’s not just about the words we speak but the heart they reveal.
Today, let’s dive into what Scripture teaches about this tiny but mighty instrument.
These 34 verses about the tongue will challenge us to consider not just what we say, but how we steward this gift of speech for God’s glory and our relationships’ health.
Bible Verses About the Tongue
1. Proverbs 18:21
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
This verse underscores the immense power of our words. They can either bring life—encouragement, healing, and hope—or death, through discouragement, lies, and harm.
It teaches us that the words we choose to speak are never neutral. They have the power to shape destinies and relationships, calling us to use them with care and intention.
2. James 3:5
“Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.”
Here, the tongue is likened to a spark capable of igniting massive destruction. This vivid imagery reminds us of the far-reaching consequences of careless speech.
It challenges us to be mindful of our words, knowing that a single sentence can escalate into significant conflict or hurt. Our goal should be to use our words to bring peace, not flames.
3. Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
This verse highlights the power of words in diffusing or escalating tension. The tone and choice of words can either calm or ignite anger.
It reminds us that speaking with gentleness requires intentionality and wisdom. By controlling our tongue, we can create an atmosphere of understanding and reconciliation.
4. Ephesians 4:29
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
This verse calls us to use our words to uplift and encourage rather than harm. It places emphasis on speech that benefits others.
It teaches us that our words should reflect Christ’s love, fostering growth and encouragement in those around us. Avoiding harmful talk protects relationships and glorifies God.
5. James 1:26
“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.”
This verse connects the control of the tongue to genuine faith. A lack of discipline in speech undermines our spiritual testimony.
It reminds us that what we say reflects the state of our heart. True faith is evident in words that align with God’s will and purpose.
6. Proverbs 12:18
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
This verse contrasts the harm caused by reckless words with the healing brought by wise speech. Words can either wound or restore.
It teaches us to choose our words carefully, ensuring they bring healing rather than harm. Wisdom in speech fosters peace and builds trust.
7. Matthew 12:36-37
“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
This verse emphasizes the accountability we have for our words. It warns of the consequences of careless speech.
It reminds us that our words hold eternal significance. Speaking with intention and truth reflects our relationship with Christ.
8. Proverbs 21:23
“Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.”
This verse highlights the protective power of self-control in speech. Guarding our words prevents unnecessary trouble.
It teaches us that discipline in communication shields us from conflict and regret. Speaking wisely safeguards our relationships and reputation.
9. Colossians 4:6
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
This verse calls us to speak with grace and wisdom, ensuring our words are both kind and impactful.
It reminds us that gracious speech reflects Christ’s love and attracts others to Him. Speaking with thoughtfulness fosters meaningful connections.
10. Proverbs 10:19
“Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.”
This verse warns against excessive talk, which often leads to sin. It praises the wisdom of restraint.
It teaches us that silence can be a virtue, allowing us to avoid mistakes and misunderstandings. Prudence in speech reflects maturity and discernment.
11. James 3:6
“The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.”
This verse portrays the tongue as a dangerous and destructive force when left unchecked. Its potential for harm is significant.
It teaches us the importance of surrendering our speech to God. By doing so, we can avoid the devastation that uncontrolled words can bring to our lives and relationships.
12. Proverbs 16:24
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
This verse highlights the uplifting and restorative power of kind and gracious words. They bring sweetness and strength to others.
It reminds us that speaking with kindness and love has the power to heal emotional and spiritual wounds. Our words can be a source of encouragement and joy.
13. 1 Peter 3:10
“Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.”
This verse emphasizes the connection between disciplined speech and a fulfilling life. Avoiding harmful words leads to peace and well-being.
It teaches us that the quality of our lives is directly influenced by how we use our words. Choosing truth and integrity in speech brings blessings.
14. Psalm 34:13
“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.”
This verse calls us to actively guard our speech, avoiding deceit and harm. It highlights the need for vigilance in communication.
It reminds us that words have the power to influence our character and relationships. Speaking truth fosters trust and honors God.
15. Proverbs 13:3
“Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.”
This verse underscores the importance of self-control in speech. Careless words often lead to negative consequences.
It teaches us that thoughtful communication protects us from harm. Wisdom in our words ensures stability and peace.
16. Ephesians 5:4
“Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.”
This verse warns against inappropriate and harmful speech, urging us to focus on gratitude instead.
It reminds us that our words should reflect purity and thankfulness. Speech that honors God builds up both ourselves and those around us.
17. Proverbs 17:28
“Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.”
This verse highlights the value of silence, noting that restraint in speech often creates an impression of wisdom.
It teaches us that sometimes the best use of the tongue is to keep it still. Silence can be powerful and protective in certain situations.
18. Matthew 15:11
“What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.”
This verse shifts focus from external actions to the internal heart, as reflected in speech. Words reveal the state of our souls.
It reminds us that our speech carries spiritual weight. Speaking words of life and truth demonstrates a heart aligned with God.
19. Proverbs 15:4
“The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”
This verse contrasts the positive impact of kind words with the harm caused by deceitful or harsh speech.
It teaches us that words can either nurture or harm others. Choosing to speak with care brings life and encouragement.
20. Luke 6:45
“A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”
This verse connects the words we speak to the condition of our hearts. Speech is a reflection of inner character.
It reminds us that cultivating a pure heart leads to uplifting and truthful words. Our speech is a testimony to our spiritual state.
21. Psalm 141:3
“Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.”
This verse is a prayer for God’s help in controlling our speech. It acknowledges our need for divine assistance in this area.
It teaches us that seeking God’s guidance ensures our words align with His will. Surrendering our tongue to Him protects us from harm.
22. Proverbs 10:11
“The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.”
This verse compares the speech of the righteous to a refreshing fountain, bringing life and goodness to others.
It reminds us that our words have the potential to refresh and uplift those around us. Speaking with righteousness reflects God’s love.
23. James 3:9-10
“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.”
This verse points out the inconsistency of using the tongue for both blessing and harm. It calls for alignment in our speech.
It teaches us to use our words consistently for good, reflecting the image of God in ourselves and others. Consistency in speech honors Him.
24. Proverbs 11:12
“Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.”
This verse emphasizes the wisdom of restraint in speech, especially when it comes to criticizing others. Holding the tongue reflects maturity and understanding.
It teaches us that self-control in speech builds stronger relationships and fosters harmony. Thoughtful silence often speaks louder than unnecessary words.
25. Titus 3:2
“To slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.”
This verse calls for gentleness and peace in speech, avoiding slander or harm through words. It reflects a Christlike attitude.
It reminds us that our words should build bridges, not walls. Speaking kindly reflects the love and humility of Christ in our daily interactions.
26. Proverbs 18:13
“To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.”
This verse warns against the impatience of speaking before fully understanding a situation. Listening is an essential part of wise communication.
It teaches us that careful listening leads to thoughtful responses. Taking time to understand ensures that our words are helpful, not harmful.
27. Psalm 19:14
“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
This verse is a prayer for words and thoughts to align with God’s will, reflecting a heart surrendered to Him.
It reminds us that our speech should be an offering to God, pleasing and reflective of His character. Inviting Him into our words ensures they bring life.
28. Proverbs 25:11
“Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a ruling rightly given.”
This verse highlights the beauty of well-timed and appropriate words. Thoughtful speech is valuable and impactful.
It teaches us to speak words that fit the moment, offering wisdom and grace to those who hear. Well-chosen words leave lasting impressions.
29. Ecclesiastes 5:2
“Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.”
This verse cautions against rash speech, especially in prayer. It calls for reverence and thoughtfulness in addressing God.
It reminds us that speech should reflect humility and wisdom. Careful words honor God and reflect our understanding of His greatness.
30. Proverbs 18:7
“The mouths of fools are their undoing, and their lips are a snare to their very lives.”
This verse warns that reckless words can lead to one’s downfall. It highlights the self-destructive nature of foolish speech.
It teaches us that wise speech protects and uplifts, while careless words harm not only others but also ourselves. Speaking with intention guards our integrity.
31. Colossians 3:8
“But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”
This verse calls believers to cleanse their speech, removing harmful and unwholesome language. It reflects the transformation in Christ.
It reminds us that sanctified speech is a reflection of a renewed heart. Choosing words that edify aligns us with God’s call to holiness.
32. Isaiah 50:4
“The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.”
This verse speaks of a tongue guided by God to encourage and sustain others. It highlights the importance of being a vessel for His words.
It teaches us that aligning our speech with God’s instruction allows us to uplift and strengthen others. A well-instructed tongue brings hope and healing.
33. Proverbs 15:2
“The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.”
This verse contrasts the wisdom of thoughtful speech with the recklessness of foolish words. Wise speech enhances understanding.
It reminds us that our words should reflect wisdom and discernment. Speaking thoughtfully honors God and benefits those who listen.
34. Matthew 12:34
“You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”
This verse connects speech to the condition of the heart, emphasizing that words reveal one’s true character.
It teaches us to guard our hearts, knowing they are the source of our words. A heart aligned with God produces speech that glorifies Him.
Our Thoughts on What the Bible Says About the Tongue
The Bible paints a vivid picture of the tongue as both a powerful tool and a potential source of destruction.
These 34 verses remind us that the words we speak reveal the condition of our hearts and have the ability to shape the world around us for good or ill.
Speech is a gift from God, meant to build others up, reflect His character, and glorify Him.
To steward this gift well, we must seek God’s guidance, practice restraint, and align our hearts with His Word.
Let these verses inspire you to use your tongue to bring life, speak truth, and glorify God in every conversation.
The power of the tongue, when surrendered to God, is a force for tremendous good.