40 Powerful Tongue Bible Quotes for Wise Living

The Bible offers profound wisdom regarding the way we use our words. From the destructive power of gossip to the life-giving nature of encouragement, scripture treats the tongue as a vital instrument of the heart. Understanding these powerful tongue Bible quotes can transform your communication and deepen your spiritual walk.

The Immense Power and Danger of the Tongue

"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: Highlights the immense power our words hold, capable of bringing forth destruction or flourishing.

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

Author: Proverbs 15:2

Benefit: Illustrates the contrast between wise speech based on understanding and foolish, unrestrained talk.

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

Author: Proverbs 12:18

Benefit: Warns that careless words can wound deeply, while wise words bring healing and peace.

"A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit."

Author: Proverbs 15:4

Benefit: Emphasizes that positive, nurturing speech sustains life, while crooked words crush the soul.

"He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace."

Author: Proverbs 11:12

Benefit: Suggests that the wise choose silence over speaking ill of others.

"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 talking often leads to sin, promoting the value of careful brevity.

"The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom."

Author: Proverbs 10:21

Benefit: Shows how righteous speech provides spiritual nourishment and guidance to others.

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

Author: Psalm 141:3

Benefit: A prayer acknowledging the need for divine help in controlling impulsive and sinful speech.

"But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment."

Author: Matthew 12:36

Benefit: A serious warning that even seemingly unimportant words are subject to divine scrutiny.

"Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be."

Author: James 3:10

Benefit: Challenges the hypocrisy of using the tongue for both praise and slander.

"The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly."

Author: Proverbs 18:8

Benefit: Describes the insidious and lasting damage caused by gossip and malicious rumors.

"Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles."

Author: Proverbs 21:23

Benefit: Provides a practical rule: verbal self-control is essential for avoiding personal conflict and suffering.

"Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!"

Author: James 3:5

Benefit: Compares the tongue to a small spark that can ignite vast destruction (gossip, strife, conflict).

"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: Links a long, prosperous life directly to abstaining from evil and deceitful speech.

"He that hath a perverse heart findeth no good: and he that hath a froward tongue falleth into mischief."

Author: Proverbs 17:20

Benefit: Shows that a deceitful heart and a crooked tongue inevitably lead to personal disaster.

Wisdom, Truth, and Blessing Through Speech

"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger."

Author: Proverbs 15:1

Benefit: Offers a foundational principle for conflict resolution through gentle, measured speech.

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

Author: Proverbs 10:20

Benefit: Elevates the truthful, valuable words of the righteous, contrasting them with worthless wickedness.

"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer."

Author: Psalm 19:14

Benefit: A sincere desire to ensure all spoken words and thoughts align with God's standards.

"Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil."

Author: Proverbs 4:26-27

Benefit: Although not specifically about the tongue, this relates to establishing a straight path, which requires truthful speech.

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

Author: Proverbs 16:24

Benefit: Describes the restorative, comforting, and deeply satisfying nature of kind and positive speech.

"My tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long."

Author: Psalm 35:28

Benefit: Commits the tongue to its highest purpose: constant praise and proclamation of divine goodness.

"But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ."

Author: Ephesians 4:15

Benefit: Establishes the perfect balance for communication: combining honesty with compassion.

"A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!"

Author: Proverbs 15:23

Benefit: Celebrates the delight found in giving a timely, appropriate, and beneficial response.

"The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment."

Author: Psalm 37:30

Benefit: Identifies the source and substance of righteous speech: profound wisdom and ethical insight.

"The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning."

Author: Proverbs 16:21

Benefit: Notes that eloquence and gentle persuasion are effective tools for teaching and knowledge dissemination.

"Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not."

Author: Romans 12:14

Benefit: A command to use the tongue for blessing even in the face of malice, demonstrating grace.

"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers."

Author: Ephesians 4:29

Benefit: Sets a high standard for speech, requiring that all words actively build up and impart grace.

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

Author: Proverbs 10:31

Benefit: Affirms the lasting quality of truthful wisdom, while condemning perverse speech.

"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

Author: Matthew 6:21

Benefit: This verse implies that the contents of our speech reveal our true spiritual priorities and affections.

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven... A time to keep silence, and a time to speak."

Author: Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7

Benefit: Provides necessary context for controlling the tongue, emphasizing that timing is crucial for effective communication.

The Call to Control and Purity of the Mouth

"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: Makes clear that lack of control over the tongue invalidates one's claim to genuine faith.

"He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction."

Author: Proverbs 13:3

Benefit: A straightforward instruction: maintaining verbal discipline is essential for personal safety and well-being.

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

Author: James 1:19

Benefit: Gives practical advice on communication flow, prioritizing active listening over hurried speech.

"But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man."

Author: Matthew 15:18

Benefit: Establishes the spiritual link between our inner nature (heart) and the words we use.

"The fear of the Lord prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened."

Author: Proverbs 10:27

Benefit: Implies that reverent behavior, including careful speech, leads to a fulfilling life.

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

Author: Colossians 4:6

Benefit: Instructs believers to make their conversation pleasant, thoughtful, and impactful (seasoned with salt).

"Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: but him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer."

Author: Psalm 101:5

Benefit: Shows God's severe judgment against those who secretly spread malicious slander.

"The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things."

Author: Proverbs 15:28

Benefit: Contrasts the contemplative nature of the righteous (who think before speaking) with the rashness of the wicked.

"If any offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body."

Author: James 3:2

Benefit: Posits that mastering the tongue is the ultimate test of self-control and spiritual maturity.

"Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks."

Author: Ephesians 5:4

Benefit: Directs us away from crude or inappropriate humor and towards expressions of gratitude and reverence.These scripture verses underscore a universal truth: the words we speak shape our reality and define our character. By meditating on these tongue Bible quotes, we are encouraged to speak life, choose wisdom, and use our voice to glorify God and build up those around us.