30 bible verses about mouth and tongue (With Explanation)

Bible Commentary Biblical Lessons

Today we will talk about Bible verses about mouth and tongue. The way we communicate has a significant impact on our relationships and our spiritual lives. Our words can build others up or tear them down. As Christians, we are invited to explore what the Bible says about how we can speak life into our daily interactions. Let’s dive into the scripture and discover how our mouths and tongues can be instruments of blessing, encouragement, and grace. It’s all about finding a balance and understanding the power our words hold. Be on the mode of meditation as we read through God’s word.

Bible Verses About Mouth and Tongue

The Power of Words

As we explore the Bible verses about mouth and tongue, we come to understand the incredible power our words hold. Words can bring life or death, joy or pain, comfort or discouragement. We have the ability to express love, hope, and encouragement through our speech. On the flip side, careless words can lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings. The Bible encourages us to be mindful of what we say and to communicate in ways that reflect God’s love. This reminds us that our mouths and tongues can be powerful tools for good or bad, and it is our responsibility to use them wisely.

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 3:10

“Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.” – James 3:10

Proverbs 12:18

“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” – Proverbs 12:18

Matthew 12:34

“For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” – Matthew 12:34

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

The Importance of Listening

In our journey of faith, we often focus on speaking, but how about the importance of listening? Communication is not just about what we say; it is equally about what we hear and understand. The Bible teaches us to listen more and speak less, encouraging attentive hearts. This stillness allows us to reflect God’s heart and intentions more genuinely. By listening, we can respond appropriately rather than react thoughtlessly, which is deeply aligned with the teachings on mouth and tongue in scripture. Let’s be quick to listen, encouraging harmony and understanding.

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 21:23

“Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.” – Proverbs 21:23

Proverbs 19:20

“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.” – Proverbs 19:20

Ecclesiastes 3:7

“A time to be silent and a time to speak.” – Ecclesiastes 3:7

Proverbs 18:2

“Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.” – Proverbs 18:2

Speaking Truth

Amidst the significance of considering our words, God calls us to speak the truth. As believers, we carry the responsibility to not only speak kindly but also to speak the truth in love. Honesty builds trust, while deceit can shatter relationships. The Bible guides us in acknowledging the impact of our words and encourages us to stand firm in the truth. When we embrace speaking truthfully, we reflect God’s character and His love for us, while encouraging others to also embrace honesty in their communication.

Ephesians 4:15

“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” – Ephesians 4:15

Proverbs 12:22

“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.” – Proverbs 12:22

Zechariah 8:16

“These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts.” – Zechariah 8:16

Proverbs 24:26

“An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.” – Proverbs 24:26

John 8:32

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” – John 8:32

Words of Encouragement

Let’s take a moment to reflect on how our words can be a source of encouragement for ourselves and others. In any given day, there are moments when we feel weighed down, uncertain, or alone. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we are called to uplift one another. The Bible emphasizes the power of our mouths and tongues as instruments of hope and encouragement. By using our words to express assurance and positivity, we help foster an environment of love and support. Let’s remind ourselves of the importance of speaking words of encouragement, lifting spirits and drawing closer together.

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 10:24

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24

Proverbs 15:23

“A person finds joy in giving an apt reply—and how good is a timely word!” – Proverbs 15:23

Romans 15:13

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13

The Danger of Gossip

While discussing mouth and tongue, we cannot ignore the dangers of gossip. The Bible has much to say about guarding our words against slander and deceitful chatter. Gossip can harm relationships and tear people apart. It may seem harmless at first, but the fallout can be damaging and long-lasting. Understanding this helps us to be vigilant in our speech and to engage in conversations that reflect God’s character. Let us learn to avoid gossip, knowing that our words should uplift and unite rather than divide and hurt.

Proverbs 20:19

“A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.” – Proverbs 20:19

James 4:11

“Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it.” – James 4:11

Proverbs 26:20

“Without wood, a fire goes out; without a gossip, a quarrel dies down.” – Proverbs 26:20

Proverbs 11:13

“A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.” – Proverbs 11:13

1 Peter 2:1

“Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.” – 1 Peter 2:1

Speaking with Grace

When it comes to our mouths and tongues, we should consistently strive to express grace. Our words often provide an opportunity to demonstrate God’s unmerited favor in our interactions. Speaking with grace means being gentle and kind, even in challenging situations. The Bible calls us to reflect Christ’s character in all our conversations. Embracing grace in our speech entails patience, love, and unwillingness to hold onto grudges. By speaking with grace, we cultivate relationships that mirror the love of Christ and extend that love to others.

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

Proverbs 15:1

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1

Proverbs 31:26

“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” – Proverbs 31:26

2 Timothy 2:24

“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.” – 2 Timothy 2:24

Using Our Words to Praise God

Let’s remember that our mouths and tongues also serve a higher purpose: to glorify God. Praise and worship are central to our relationship with our Creator. It is with our words that we acknowledge God’s goodness and express our gratitude. The Bible reminds us of the importance of using our speech for worship, which reflects our relationship with Him and inspires others. As we engage in praises, we create a fragrant offering that delights our Father, encouraging ourselves and those around us in faith.

Psalms 34:1

“I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.” – Psalms 34:1

Hebrews 13:15

“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.” – Hebrews 13:15

Psalms 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.” – Psalms 19:14

Psalms 71:8

“My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long.” – Psalms 71:8

Colossians 3:17

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” – Colossians 3:17

Controlling Our Speech

Lastly, the concept of controlling our speech resurfaces when examining the mouth and tongue. The Bible reminds us that taming our tongues is a challenge we all face. It calls us to self-control and wisdom, urging us to think before we speak. By managing our speech, we reflect Jesus’ teachings and maintain peace in our relationships. We have the ability to choose our words wisely, ensuring we light up the world around us rather than dim it down. Let’s embrace the journey of controlling our speech as an ongoing challenge in our Christian walk.

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.” – James 1:26

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 13:3

“Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.” – Proverbs 13:3

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.” – Matthew 15:11

Proverbs 10:19

“Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.” – Proverbs 10:19

Final Thoughts

As we wrap up our exploration of Bible verses about mouth and tongue, we realize how much power they hold. Our words can greatly influence our surroundings, our relationships, and most importantly, our spiritual lives. In learning to speak wisely, listen attentively, and encourage one another, we can cultivate a faith that genuinely reflects God’s love. Each verse serves as a guide for us to be conscious of our speech, reminding us that what we say is a reflection of what is in our hearts. Let us commit to using our mouths and tongues to bring glory and honor to God and to uplift those we encounter daily.

We are all on this journey together, striving to align our speech with the teachings in His Word. May we continue to support one another as we navigate the beautiful opportunity of communication, using it as a tool for connections that draw us closer to Him and to one another.

Let us embrace the divine calling to speak life, truth, and grace through our mouths and tongues. Amen.

Further Reading

  • Bible Verses About Letting Go Of Someone You Love
  • Bible Verses About Communion
  • 30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)

    4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4