Today we will talk about Bible verses about controlling your tongue. The words we choose to speak hold incredible power; they can uplift, encourage, or even hurt and discourage. As Christians, we know that our speech should reflect the kindness, grace, and love of Christ. Controlling our tongue is more than just refraining from harsh words; it involves speaking truth, promoting peace, and offering hope. As we meditate on the Scriptures, we will discover how navigating our speech according to God’s wisdom can transform our relationships and our own hearts. Let’s explore these verses together, finding guidance on how to harness the power of our words for good.
Bible Verses About Controlling Your Tongue
The Power of Words
In our journey of faith, we realize the immense power that our words possess. Words can build up or tear down. They can heal or hurt. The Bible emphasizes that we must be mindful of what we say, as our words reflect our hearts. When we take this insight to heart, we can consciously choose words that foster positivity and love. By being aware of the impact our speech has, we begin to understand why the Bible has so much to say about controlling our tongues. Let us remember that our words not only share truth but can illuminate someone’s day and help them see God’s goodness through us.
Proverbs 18:21
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” – Proverbs 18:21
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.” – James 3:9-10
Proverbs 12:18
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” – Proverbs 12:18
Matthew 12:36
“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.” – Matthew 12:36
Proverbs 15:4
“The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.” – Proverbs 15:4
Speaking with Wisdom
As we navigate through our daily lives, we often find ourselves faced with countless opportunities to communicate. Whether in casual conversations or serious discussions, let us strive to speak with wisdom. The Bible encourages us to seek knowledge and to let our words be an expression of understanding and prudence. By allowing God’s wisdom to guide our tongue, we can offer words that bring clarity, innovation, and grace. This practice fosters deeper relationships and makes our interactions more meaningful. When our speech reflects wisdom, we become instruments of peace and joy to those around us.
Proverbs 21:23
“Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.” – Proverbs 21:23
Proverbs 10:19
“Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.” – Proverbs 10:19
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.” – Ephesians 4:29
Colossians 4:6
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” – Colossians 4:6
James 1:19
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” – James 1:19
The Importance of Listening
Controlling our tongue is not only about what we say but also about how well we listen. Listening is an important part of communication that allows us to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. When we take time to truly listen to others, we understand their emotions and thoughts better. This practice not only helps us keep control over our own words, but it also builds stronger connections through empathy and understanding. As we embrace a listening heart, we open the door to meaningful discussions and stronger bonds with those around us. Our speech can then flow from a place of understanding and love.
Proverbs 18:13
“To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.” – Proverbs 18:13
Romans 12:15
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” – Romans 12:15
James 1:19
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” – James 1:19
Proverbs 1:5
“Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.” – Proverbs 1:5
Proverbs 25:11
“Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a ruling rightly given.” – Proverbs 25:11
Building Others Up
When we think about controlling our tongues, one of our highest calls is to build others up instead of tearing them down. Each time we talk to someone, we have a choice: to encourage and empower or to criticize and diminish. The Bible prompts us to be vessels of encouragement, using our words as tools to lift others and affirm their worth. This intention not only creates a positive atmosphere but also aligns us with God’s heart, as He constantly encourages us through His Word. When we practice this heart posture in our interactions, we spread light and love in a world that is in dire need of it.
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.” – Ephesians 4:29
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Proverbs 16:24
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” – Proverbs 16:24
Hebrews 3:13
“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” – Hebrews 3:13
Colossians 3:16
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly, as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” – Colossians 3:16
The Impact of Speech on Relationships
When we engage with those around us, our speech has a direct impact on our relationships. Whether it’s family, friends, or colleagues, how we communicate can either strengthen our bonds or cause rifts. The call to control our tongue is particularly vital in nurturing meaningful relationships. By speaking kindly and thoughtfully, we ensure that our interactions are rooted in love and mutual respect. This transforms not just our personal connections but enriches our community by creating an atmosphere of understanding and grace. It’s a beautiful reminder that our words can make or break our relationships.
Proverbs 25:15
“Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.” – Proverbs 25:15
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
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
Bible Commentary, Blog
30 Important bible verses about selflessness (With Explanation)