35 Powerful Bible Quotes About the Tongue

The tongue, though small, holds monumental power. The Scriptures offer profound guidance on how we use our words, emphasizing that our speech reflects the condition of our hearts. Learning to discipline this vital organ is crucial for living a righteous and peaceful life. Let these timeless Bible quotes about the tongue inspire you toward speaking life, truth, and blessings.

The Dual Power and Danger of the Tongue

These scriptures reveal how our words carry the potential for both great blessing and terrible destruction, underscoring the responsibility we have over our speech.

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof."

Author: Proverbs 18:21

Benefit: A clear statement that words determine destiny, emphasizing the critical importance of careful speech.

"But the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell."

Author: James 3:6

Benefit: Highlights the destructive and corrupting nature of an uncontrolled tongue, likening it to a raging, dangerous fire.

"The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit."

Author: Proverbs 15:4

Benefit: Illustrates the healing power of kind words contrasted with the damaging effect of negativity.

"He that keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles."

Author: Proverbs 21:23

Benefit: Encourages discipline of the mouth as a primary means of avoiding unnecessary suffering and conflict.

"In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise."

Author: Proverbs 10:19

Benefit: Teaches that excessive speech often leads to error, equating silence and restraint with true wisdom.

"Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile."

Author: Psalm 34:13

Benefit: A direct command to avoid intentional deceit and harmful words in daily communication.

"The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked."

Author: Proverbs 10:11

Benefit: Contrasts the nourishing, life-giving speech of the righteous with the aggressive, harmful words of the wicked.

Discipline and Control: Mastering the Tongue

These verses focus on the necessity of self-control and the spiritual benefits of guarding the mouth against hurtful or unwise words.

"If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, that man's religion is vain."

Author: James 1:26

Benefit: A powerful reminder that genuine faith must be evidenced by controlled speech; uncontrolled speech invalidates piety.

"I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me."

Author: Psalm 39:1

Benefit: Expresses a firm commitment to proactive self-censorship to prevent sin, especially in the presence of those who might provoke error.

"Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles."

Author: Proverbs 21:23

Benefit: Reaffirms that prudence in speaking is a defense mechanism against self-inflicted hardships.

"Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips."

Author: Psalm 141:3

Benefit: A prayer requesting divine assistance in controlling the mouth, acknowledging the human weakness in maintaining constant vigilance.

"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."

Author: Ephesians 4:29

Benefit: Provides a standard for all conversation: speech must be edifying, timely, and gracious.

"For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile."

Author: 1 Peter 3:10

Benefit: Connects longevity and happiness directly to the practice of avoiding deceitful and malicious speech.

"He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit."

Author: Proverbs 17:27

Benefit: Links intellectual capacity and inner tranquility to the discipline of speaking sparingly and thoughtfully.

"Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding."

Author: Proverbs 17:28

Benefit: Offers practical wisdom, noting that silence can conceal foolishness and grant the appearance of wisdom.

Speaking Wisdom, Truth, and Encouragement

These quotes highlight the positive application of the tongue, using words to uplift, teach, and spread righteous truth.

"The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness."

Author: Proverbs 15:2

Benefit: Differentiates between using words thoughtfully to convey genuine knowledge and carelessly blurting out nonsense.

"Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones."

Author: Proverbs 16:24

Benefit: Describes the tangible health benefits and spiritual refreshment derived from gentle and encouraging speech.

"The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth."

Author: Proverbs 10:20

Benefit: Values the reliable, pure speech of the upright person far above any material possessions or status.

"There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health."

Author: Proverbs 12:18

Benefit: Contrasts verbally aggressive words (like a sword wound) with the healing, restorative power of wise counsel.

"By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone."

Author: Proverbs 25:15

Benefit: Emphasizes that gentle, persistent, and calm communication is ultimately more persuasive and powerful than harsh confrontation.

"The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary."

Author: Isaiah 50:4

Benefit: A commitment to using speech as a gift from God to provide timely comfort and support to those in distress.

"The mouth of the righteous bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out."

Author: Proverbs 10:31

Benefit: Assures that righteous individuals naturally produce sound advice, while those who speak deceitfully face severe consequences.

Accountability and Eternal Consequences

Ultimately, we will be judged not just by our actions, but by the words we have spoken throughout our lives.

"But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned."

Author: Matthew 12:36-37

Benefit: Establishes a profound connection between even seemingly trivial words and final eternal judgment, demanding serious consideration of all speech.

"A perverse person spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends."

Author: Proverbs 16:28

Benefit: Warns against gossip and malice, showing their devastating effect on community harmony and relationships.

"Whoever brings ruin on his household will inherit nothing but wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart."

Author: Proverbs 11:29

Benefit: Implies that foolish, careless words contribute to familial destruction, leaving the speaker destitute.

"The wicked boast of their evil desires; they gush out great swelling words of vanity, with the intent to deceive."

Author: Psalm 73:8

Benefit: Identifies the arrogant and deceptive nature of the unrighteous, whose pride manifests through boastful talk.

"A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul."

Author: Proverbs 18:7

Benefit: Clearly states that uncontrolled and unwise speech is self-sabotaging, leading the speaker into danger.

"The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so."

Author: Proverbs 15:7

Benefit: Confirms that the purpose of wise speech is to share and spread beneficial knowledge effectively.

"A worthless man plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire."

Author: Proverbs 16:27

Benefit: Associates malevolent intent with aggressively harmful, burning speech.

"Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips."

Author: Romans 3:13

Benefit: A vivid description of the morally decayed state of those who use their mouths solely for death, destruction, and betrayal.

"The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself."

Author: Proverbs 11:25

Benefit: While not strictly about the tongue, it encourages generosity which includes generous, affirming words.

"The mouth of the just shall bring forth wisdom: but the tongue of the froward shall be cut out."

Author: Proverbs 10:31

Benefit: Promises that honest, righteous speech is rewarded with clarity, while deceit is harshly judged.

"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath."

Author: James 1:19

Benefit: Offers a foundational principle for communication: prioritizing listening over impulsive reaction and speech.

"Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent."

Author: Proverbs 11:12

Benefit: Contrasts the foolishness of mocking others with the wisdom demonstrated by reserving judgment and maintaining silence.

"Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man."

Author: Colossians 4:6

Benefit: A command to ensure all communication is refined, pleasant, and appropriate for the audience, offering practical guidance.

"Remove from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee."

Author: Proverbs 4:24

Benefit: An instruction to actively distance oneself from corrupt and misleading language in all forms.

"Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre."

Author: 1 Timothy 3:8

Benefit: Sets a high standard for spiritual leaders, demanding honesty and prohibiting speaking two different, deceitful narratives.

"A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit."

Author: Proverbs 15:4

Benefit: Reiterates the profound impact of soft, truthful speech on emotional and spiritual health.

"Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established."

Author: Proverbs 24:3

Benefit: Contextually, this shows that wise words and counsel are foundational to creating stability in all aspects of life.

These powerful biblical injunctions confirm that the words we speak are not merely sound waves, but are the building blocks of our character, relationships, and destiny. By meditating on these verses, we can find the guidance needed to control the tongue, choosing instead to speak wisdom, kindness, and truth. Use your words today to build up, not to tear down.