Watch how your words shape your world—because the Bible has so much to say about the power of the tongue! In this collection titled 40+ Powerful Bible Verses About The Tongue, you’ll find meaningful scriptures that offer strength, encouragement, and spiritual insight for guarding your speech. Whether you’re seeking wisdom, correction, or reassurance, these verses highlight just how deeply our words can impact ourselves and others.
The Bible may not give one single chapter on the tongue, but its pages are filled with clear reminders about the importance of speaking with grace, truth, and love. From Proverbs to James, God’s Word teaches us how powerful our words can be—either to build up or to tear down. This article brings you carefully selected scriptures that reveal God’s heart on this issue, encouraging you to speak life and truth. Let these verses inspire lasting change as you move into the full list below.
What Does the Bible Say About The Tongue?
The Bible teaches that the tongue holds great power to shape lives. Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” This shows that our words can heal or harm, lift up or tear down. A kind word can bring peace in a storm, while harsh speech can damage relationships beyond repair. Just like a match can start a fire, a single word can change someone’s life.
God also reminds us that the tongue reveals what’s inside the heart. Luke 6:45 says, “Out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.” This means our speech reflects our inner spiritual condition. If bitterness, pride, or anger live in the heart, the tongue will expose it. But when we’re filled with God’s Spirit, our words become full of love, truth, and grace.
Controlling the tongue is a sign of wisdom and maturity. James 3:2 explains, “If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man.” A mature believer watches their words carefully and speaks with patience. For example, when Jesus was insulted, He responded with silence and truth, not retaliation. God wants us to use our voice for peace, not conflict.
Lastly, the Bible urges us to surrender our speech to God. Psalm 141:3 says, “Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.” This verse is a humble prayer asking God to guard what we say. Whether we’re speaking to family, friends, or strangers, God wants our words to reflect His love. When we give our tongue to Him, our speech becomes a blessing.
The List of 40+ Powerful Bible Verses About The Tongue
1. The Tongue Has the Power to Build or Destroy
Purpose:
The Bible teaches us that our words are not neutral—they either bring life or destruction. When we speak with love and truth, we reflect God’s heart. But when we use our tongue carelessly or harshly, it can cause deep wounds. These verses remind us of the responsibility we carry every time we open our mouth. Let your speech be a tool for healing, not harm.
📖 Proverbs 18:21
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”
→ This verse tells us how powerful our words truly are. They can breathe life into someone or crush their spirit. When we understand this, we become more intentional with what we say. God wants our tongue to bless, encourage, and speak truth—not to tear down or discourage others.
📖 James 3:5
“Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!”
→ Though small, the tongue can cause massive destruction—like a single spark starting a wildfire. James warns that our words, if not controlled, can spread damage quickly. God calls us to be mindful of the impact of our speech and to use our words for building up, not burning bridges.
📖 Proverbs 15:1
“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”
→ This verse reminds us that gentleness can calm conflict, while harsh speech only fuels it. Our tone and response matter, especially during tense moments. Choosing kind words shows wisdom and helps create peace. It’s one of the clearest ways to reflect Christ’s love in our daily conversations.
📖 Proverbs 12:18
“There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.”
→ Harsh words can cut as deeply as a sword, leaving emotional wounds that take time to heal. In contrast, a wise and gentle tongue brings comfort, strength, and restoration. God wants us to speak life over others, offering words that mend rather than destroy hearts.
📖 Matthew 12:36
“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.”
→ Jesus reminds us that our words are recorded in heaven. Even careless or meaningless speech will be judged. This calls us to take every word seriously. Speaking with purpose and humility honors God and shows maturity in our faith.
📖 Psalm 34:13
“Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.”
→ This verse is a call to personal responsibility. We are urged to turn away from harmful talk and dishonesty. Speaking truthfully and purely reflects the righteousness of Christ. Guarding our tongue protects both our character and our witness to others.
📖 Ephesians 4:29
“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying…”
→ Paul urges us to use our words to build others up, not to tear them down. Corrupt speech includes insults, gossip, and crude jokes. God desires that our mouth be a source of encouragement, truth, and grace to those who hear us.
📖 Colossians 4:
“Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”
→ Grace-filled speech means speaking kindly, wisely, and with spiritual insight. Salt preserves and adds flavor—just like our words should preserve peace and bring value. As followers of Christ, we are called to communicate with both love and clarity in every situation.
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2. The Tongue Reflects the Condition of the Heart
Purpose:
What we say reveals what lives inside us. If our hearts are filled with anger, pride, or bitterness, our words will show it. But when we are rooted in God’s love and truth, our speech becomes a reflection of His Spirit. These verses help us examine the true state of our heart by looking closely at the words we speak. Change in speech begins with transformation of the heart.
📖 Luke 6:45
“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good… for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.”
→ Our words come directly from the condition of our heart. When the heart is filled with goodness, the tongue speaks life and encouragement. But if the heart is full of anger or pride, the speech will be harmful. God wants our hearts—and therefore our words—to be filled with His Spirit.
📖 Matthew 15:18
“But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.”
→ Jesus explains that it’s not external actions that corrupt us, but what comes from within. If we want to change our words, we must let God cleanse our heart. The tongue is simply a mirror of the soul, and only God can purify what’s inside.
📖 Proverbs 10:11
“The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.”
→ When someone walks with God, their words bring life and peace to others. Just as a well refreshes the thirsty, the speech of a righteous person uplifts and restores. But a wicked heart uses words as tools for harm, revealing the darkness within.
📖 Proverbs 13:3
“He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.”
→ This verse shows the danger of uncontrolled speech. Speaking without thought can lead to ruin, while guarding your tongue brings protection. God calls us to speak with restraint and wisdom, which flows from a humble and Spirit-filled heart.
📖 James 1:26
“If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue… this man’s religion is vain.”
→ A person’s true faith is tested by their words. Claiming to be spiritual means nothing if our speech is filled with gossip, anger, or lies. God expects those who follow Him to have discipline over their tongue. It is a sign of genuine spiritual maturity.
📖 Proverbs 21:23
“Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.”
→ Controlling your tongue helps you avoid conflict, regret, and shame. When we are quick to speak, we often make mistakes. God’s wisdom encourages us to slow down and think before we speak, protecting our soul and our relationships.
📖 Ecclesiastes 5:2
“Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God…”
→ This verse teaches reverence—especially in our communication with God. Speaking quickly or carelessly, especially in prayer or promises, can show a lack of humility. God values sincere, thoughtful words that come from a reverent heart.
📖 Psalm 141:3
“Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.”
→ This beautiful prayer asks God to guard our speech. It acknowledges our human weakness and invites divine help to speak wisely. When we submit our words to God, He empowers us to speak truth in love and remain silent when necessary.
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3. The Tongue Can Be a Tool for Righteousness or Sin
Purpose:
The tongue is a powerful instrument. It can glorify God through praise and truth, or it can be used for lies, anger, and pride. The Bible repeatedly warns that how we use our tongue can either draw us closer to God or push us toward sin. These verses guide us in using our speech to honor the Lord and resist the temptation to misuse our words.
📖 Romans 6:13
“Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God…”
→ This verse reminds us that our tongue is a “member” of the body and must not be given over to sin. Instead, it should be offered to God for righteousness. Every time we speak, we have a choice: will our words serve the flesh or serve the Lord?
📖 James 3:6
“And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity… and it is set on fire of hell.”
→ James gives a sobering description of how destructive an uncontrolled tongue can be. It can ignite chaos, gossip, and sin, affecting many lives. That’s why surrendering our speech to God’s Spirit is crucial for a holy life.
📖 Psalm 52:2
“Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.”
→ This verse shows how speech can be used to deceive and harm. A tongue without truth or love becomes a tool of destruction. God desires that our words reflect integrity and purity, not scheming or hidden agendas.
📖 Proverbs 6:16-17, 19
“These six things doth the Lord hate… a lying tongue… and he that soweth discord among brethren.”
→ God is not silent about harmful speech. He hates lies, gossip, and speech that divides people. This reminds us how seriously God takes our words. Speaking truth and promoting unity should always be our goal.
📖 Titus 1:10-11
“For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers… whose mouths must be stopped…”
→ Paul warns about those who speak for selfish gain, leading others astray. The misuse of the tongue can cause spiritual damage. Leaders and believers alike must be careful to use their words to teach truth, not to manipulate or confuse.
📖 Psalm 101:5
“Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off…”
→ God clearly opposes slander, especially when it is done in secret. Speaking ill of others behind their backs is not only sinful—it brings God’s judgment. Our speech must be marked by honesty and love, not harmful whispers.
📖 Proverbs 10:19
“In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.”
→ Talking too much often leads to sin. Wisdom teaches us when to speak and when to stay silent. God honors those who are careful and disciplined in their speech, using few but meaningful words.
📖 Micah 6:8
“…what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”
→ Though not directly about the tongue, this verse speaks to how we should live—and speak. A humble, just heart speaks words of mercy and peace. When we walk with God, our speech naturally reflects His grace and truth.
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4. The Tongue Should Be Used for Praise, Blessing, and Prayer
Purpose:
God gave us speech so we could glorify Him, encourage others, and pray with power. The tongue is not just meant for daily conversation—it’s a holy instrument to bless, worship, and proclaim God’s goodness. These verses show how our words can become an offering to the Lord when used rightly in praise, prayer, and blessing.
📖 Psalm 35:28
“And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long.”
→ David knew the purpose of his tongue: to praise God continually. Our words should reflect our gratitude for God’s faithfulness. When we choose to speak of His goodness, we strengthen our faith and inspire those around us.
📖 Hebrews 13:15
“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips…”
→ Praising God isn’t just a feeling—it’s a discipline. This verse encourages us to speak praise regularly, even when it feels like a sacrifice. Our lips bear fruit when they glorify God, bringing Him honor and lifting our spirit.
📖 Psalm 71:8
“Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day.”
→ A life centered on God will naturally overflow with praise. This verse shows a heart that delights in lifting God’s name through speech. Keeping our mouths filled with praise helps us stay focused on God’s greatness instead of life’s problems.
📖 James 5:16
“…The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
→ Our tongue is a tool of powerful prayer. When we speak to God with faith and sincerity, He hears and moves. This verse reminds us that prayer isn’t empty words—it’s a divine conversation that changes things.
📖 Psalm 19:14
“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord…”
→ This prayer shows the connection between the heart and the tongue. Asking God to accept both our thoughts and words keeps our speech pure. It’s a daily reminder that God listens to every word and judges its intent.
📖 Ephesians 5:19
“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord…”
→ God desires joyful speech that flows from a heart of worship. Singing and spiritual conversation lift the soul and build unity in the body of Christ. When our lips are used to praise, they fulfill their true purpose.
📖 Psalm 63:3-4
“Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live…”
→ God’s love leads us to speak words of adoration and blessing. This verse paints a picture of worship that comes from deep gratitude. A life surrendered to God uses the tongue to worship Him openly and joyfully.
📖 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks…”
→ These commands include a powerful use of the tongue—constant rejoicing, praying, and thanksgiving. Speaking gratitude and praise transforms our attitude and honors God in every season. A prayerful tongue is a powerful tongue.
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5. The Tongue Reveals True Wisdom and Maturity
Purpose:
One of the clearest signs of spiritual maturity is how a person controls their words. The Bible links wisdom to the ability to speak with kindness, truth, and restraint. A wise tongue brings healing and unity, while a foolish one spreads strife. These verses encourage believers to use their speech as a reflection of godly wisdom and emotional strength.
📖 James 3:17
“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated…”
→ Godly wisdom shows itself in how we speak. A wise person is calm, considerate, and kind. When our words reflect purity and peace, it shows we’re walking closely with the Lord. Wisdom isn’t just what we know, it’s how we communicate it.
📖 Proverbs 15:2
“The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.”
→ True wisdom knows when and how to speak. A wise person doesn’t just have knowledge—they use it carefully. Fools, on the other hand, speak without thought. God honors those who use their words to bring light, not confusion.
📖 Proverbs 10:20
“The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.”
→ This verse compares the speech of the righteous to valuable silver. Their words are rare, pure, and uplifting. In contrast, those with corrupt hearts speak in ways that lack value and bring harm. God sees great worth in speech that blesses others.
📖 Ecclesiastes 10:12
“The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.”
→ A wise person speaks with grace and humility, drawing others in and building bridges. But a fool speaks carelessly and eventually ruins his own reputation. God wants our speech to reflect His grace, not our ego.
📖 Proverbs 17:27
“He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.”
→ A wise individual knows the value of silence. They don’t talk too much, and their calm, thoughtful speech shows inner strength. Godly wisdom is often seen in how little we say, and how much love is behind the words we do choose.
📖 Job 2:10
“…Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.”
→ Even in suffering, Job didn’t use his mouth to curse or complain against God. This shows deep spiritual maturity. Restraining your tongue during pain or pressure is a mark of true faith. God honors those who speak with integrity, even in trials.
📖 Titus 2:7-8
“…In doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech, that cannot be condemned…”
→ Paul encourages leaders to speak with integrity and seriousness. Our speech should be so pure and wise that no one can accuse us of wrongdoing. Speaking well is a testimony of the gospel in our lives and shows we take our faith seriously.
📖 Proverbs 29:11
“A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.”
→ This verse teaches restraint. A wise person doesn’t blurt out everything they think. They know the right time and the right way to speak. God values patience, discernment, and thoughtful communication in His people.
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6. The Tongue Should Be Guarded and Surrendered to God
Purpose:
God calls us to actively guard our tongues, knowing how easily they can lead us into sin. Surrendering our speech to God means we ask Him to lead our thoughts, words, and responses. These verses show the need to stay alert, disciplined, and prayerful when it comes to what we say. Only through God’s help can our tongues become instruments of righteousness.
📖 Proverbs 13:3
“He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.”
→ This verse teaches that speaking carelessly can destroy relationships, opportunities, and even one’s reputation. Guarding your tongue leads to peace and protection. God wants us to use restraint, thinking before we speak.
📖 1 Peter 3:10
“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.”
→ A life filled with peace and blessing is connected to how we speak. Peter urges believers to stay away from deceit and evil talk. Speaking truthfully and kindly is part of living a godly, joy-filled life.
📖 Psalm 39:1
“I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue…”
→ David made a conscious effort to guard his speech. He knew that one wrong word could become sin. This verse is a call for believers to remain alert and cautious in their daily conversations, always honoring God with their mouth.
📖 Proverbs 18:13
“He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.”
→ This verse encourages us to listen before speaking. Speaking too quickly, without understanding the situation, leads to foolishness. God wants us to be patient, thoughtful, and fair in our speech.
📖 Matthew 5:37
“But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.”
→ Jesus teaches that our words should be simple, honest, and trustworthy. We shouldn’t exaggerate, lie, or manipulate through speech. A surrendered tongue speaks truth plainly and honors God through honest words.
📖 Psalm 141:3
“Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.”
→ This prayer invites God to take control over our speech. It’s an act of surrender, acknowledging our weakness. When we ask God to guard our tongue, He helps us speak only what is good, wise, and loving.
📖 Proverbs 15:28
“The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.”
→ The righteous take time to think before they respond. Their words are considered, wise, and helpful. But the wicked speak impulsively and hurtfully. God honors those who pause, pray, and speak with purpose.
📖 Isaiah 50:4
“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…”
→ This beautiful verse shows that God can give us the right words at the right time. A surrendered tongue becomes a source of comfort and strength to others. When we rely on God, He uses our speech to bring hope and healing.
Conclusion
The words we speak hold immense spiritual weight. As shown in 40+ Powerful Bible Verses About The Tongue, the Bible teaches that our tongue can either reflect God’s truth or cause great harm. Whether we are encouraging someone, praying, correcting, or staying silent, our speech must be guided by God’s wisdom. Every verse we’ve explored reminds us that true spiritual maturity shows through the way we speak.
Each of the six areas—using the tongue to build or destroy, reflecting the heart, revealing wisdom, honoring God in praise, resisting sin, and surrendering speech—matters deeply in our daily walk. When we allow God to guide our words, we not only protect our own hearts but bless everyone around us. Let these powerful scriptures transform how you speak, think, and represent Christ in every conversation.
FAQ’s
What does the Bible say about controlling the tongue?
The Bible says controlling the tongue is essential to living a godly life. James 3 compares the tongue to a fire and a small rudder, showing how it can direct our lives. Scriptures in The Tongue Has the Power to Build or Destroy and The Tongue Reveals True Wisdom and Maturity emphasize that taming the tongue is a sign of spiritual growth.
Why is the tongue considered powerful in the Bible?
According to Proverbs 18:21, the tongue holds the power of life and death. The Bible shows in The Tongue Can Be a Tool for Righteousness or Sin that our words can either uplift others or lead to sin. God calls us to use our words wisely and to glorify Him through our speech.
How can I use my tongue for God’s glory?
You can use your tongue for God’s glory by praising Him, praying sincerely, encouraging others, and speaking truth with love. The section The Tongue Should Be Used for Praise, Blessing, and Prayer shares Bible verses that highlight how our speech can be a form of worship and a source of hope for others.
How does the tongue reveal what’s in the heart?
Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh” (Luke 6:45). The section The Tongue Reflects the Condition of the Heart shows that our speech mirrors what’s hidden inside us. A pure heart speaks peace and truth; a bitter heart reveals itself through harsh or angry words.
What are some ways to guard my tongue daily?
Start with prayer, like in Psalm 141:3, asking God to help you speak wisely. As taught in The Tongue Should Be Guarded and Surrendered to God, be slow to speak, quick to listen, and always think before you respond. Surround yourself with Scripture to keep your heart—and your words—aligned with God’s will.
Want to discover more Bible-based insights? Check out our collection of verses at BibleMiracle.com
