30+Bible Verses About Controlling Your Tongue!

“The biblical principles for mastering your speech and communicating wisely.”

Controlling your tongue is a topic of great significance in the Bible, offering wisdom on how to speak with integrity and wisdom. Our words have the power to build up or tear down, and the Bible provides clear guidance on how to use our speech responsibly.

This post explores the scriptural advice on managing our speech, aiming to cultivate communication that reflects God’s wisdom and love.

In a world where communication is constant and often challenging, understanding the biblical perspective on controlling our tongue is vital. This post will present seven key outlines that cover different aspects of speech and communication, each supported by Bible verses and practical real-life examples.

By reflecting on these scriptures, we can better understand how to communicate in a way that honors God and promotes positive interactions.

Let’s delve into the Bible’s teachings on speech and learn how to apply these principles to improve our communication and relationships.

Table of Contents

The Power of Words

Verses

Proverbs 18:21 – “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”
James 3:5-6 – “So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness.”
Proverbs 12:18 – “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
Matthew 12:34-37 – “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil.”
Proverbs 21:23 – “Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.”
Colossians 4:6 – “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”

Real-Life Example:

A person who habitually uses harsh or careless words may create tension and hurt feelings. By reflecting on the power of words and striving to speak with kindness and wisdom, they can foster more positive relationships and create a more supportive environment.

The Importance of Truthful Speech

Verses

Ephesians 4:25 – “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.”
Proverbs 12:22 – “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.”
Zechariah 8:16 – “These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth to one another; render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace.”
John 8:44 – “You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him.”
Proverbs 19:9 – “A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will perish.”
Psalm 15:2 – “He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart.”

Real-Life Example:

A person who values honesty in their communication can build trust and credibility. By adhering to the principle of truthful speech, they avoid the pitfalls of deceit and contribute to more authentic and reliable relationships.

The Impact of Gossip and Slander

Verses

Proverbs 16:28 – “A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.”
Proverbs 26:20 – “For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.”
James 4:11 – “Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law.”
Leviticus 19:16 – “You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not stand up against the life of your neighbor: I am the Lord.”
Psalm 101:5 – “Whoever slanders his neighbor secretly I will destroy. Whoever has a haughty look and an arrogant heart I will not endure.”
Proverbs 20:19 – “Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.”

Real-Life Example:

Someone who engages in gossip or slander may damage their reputation and relationships. Understanding the harmful effects of such behavior encourages individuals to avoid spreading unverified or malicious information, promoting a more respectful and supportive community.

Bible Verses About Eating Together

The Role of Self-Control in Speech

Verses:

James 1:19 – “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.”
Proverbs 15:1 – “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Proverbs 29:20 – “Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.”
Ecclesiastes 3:7 – “A time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.”
1 Peter 3:10 – “For ‘Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit.”
Proverbs 10:19 – “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.”

Real-Life Example:

A person who practices self-control in their speech, especially in heated situations, can prevent conflicts and foster better communication. This approach helps them navigate conversations more effectively and maintain healthier relationships.

Encouraging and Uplifting Speech

Verses

Ephesians 4:29 – “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.”
Proverbs 25:11 – “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.”
Colossians 3:16 – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
Proverbs 15:23 – “To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!”
1 Thessalonians 5:11 – “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
Proverbs 12:25 – “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.”

Real-Life Example:

A person who intentionally uses their words to encourage and uplift others can have a profound positive impact on those around them. By practicing this approach, they contribute to a more supportive and affirming environment.

The Influence of Speech on Relationships

Verses

Proverbs 27:17 – “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”
Proverbs 27:9 – “Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.”
Proverbs 18:24 – “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
Romans 14:19 – “So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.”
Hebrews 10:24-25 – “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

Real-Life Example:

Effective and kind communication can strengthen friendships and family relationships. By focusing on positive and constructive speech, individuals can build deeper and more meaningful connections with others.

Learning from the Example of Jesus

Verses

Matthew 12:34 – “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”
Luke 4:22 – “And all spoke well of him and marveled at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth.”
John 7:46 – “The officers answered, ‘No one ever spoke like this man!’”
Matthew 5:37 – “Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.”
John 8:46 – “Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me?”
Luke 6:45 – “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.”

Real-Life Example:

Jesus’ example of speaking with grace and truth serves as a model for how believers should communicate. Emulating His approach to speech helps individuals reflect His love and wisdom in their interactions with others.

How can controlling our tongue impact our spiritual life?

Controlling our tongue significantly impacts our spiritual life because it reflects our inner character and relationship with God. The Bible teaches that our words reveal the state of our hearts (Matthew 12:34). By aligning our speech with God’s principles, we demonstrate our commitment to living according to His will.

Practicing self-control in our speech not only helps us build better relationships but also enhances our spiritual growth and witness to others.

Answers to Key Question about Controlling Your Tongue

1. What does the Bible say about speaking in anger?

The Bible advises against speaking in anger as it often leads to conflict and hurtful words (Proverbs 15:1). It encourages responding with a soft answer to de-escalate situations (James 1:19).

2. How can I improve my speech if I struggle with being negative or critical?

Focus on replacing negative or critical speech with encouraging and uplifting words. Practice self-control and seek guidance through prayer and scripture (Ephesians 4:29).

3. Are there specific prayers or practices to help control my speech?

Praying for wisdom and self-control is helpful. Regular reflection on relevant scriptures and seeking accountability from trusted friends can also support your efforts (Psalm 19:14).

4. What should I do if I have already hurt someone with my words?

Seek forgiveness from the person you’ve hurt, and commit to changing your speech patterns. Apologize sincerely and work on improving your communication habits (Proverbs 12:18).

5. How can I apply biblical principles of speech in my daily interactions?

By consistently practicing kindness, honesty, and self-control in your speech, and seeking to build others up rather than tear them down, you apply biblical principles in your interactions (Colossians 4:6).

Conclusion

The Bible offers profound insights into the importance of controlling our speech and the impact it has on our lives and relationships. By following the wisdom found in scripture, we can learn to communicate in ways that reflect God’s love and truth.

Mastering our tongue is not just about avoiding harmful words but about using our speech to build others up and honor God.