Tongue: Bible Verses about Taming the Tongue

25 Bible Verses about Taming the Tongue List Verse and Description

1. Proverbs 10:19: “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.” This verse emphasizes that a lot of speaking can lead to sin, and those who can control their tongue have the wisdom to avoid it.
2. Proverbs 15:1: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” This verse advises us to use soft words when confronted with anger, as it is more likely to lead to a peaceful solution.
3. Proverbs 17:27-28: “He who restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; when he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.” These verses emphasize the importance of keeping one’s mouth shut in order to be thought of as wise.
4. Proverbs 18:21: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” This verse reminds us that our words have the power to bring either life or death, and that what we speak will come back to us in some form.
5. James 1:19: “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.” This verse encourages us to take a moment before we respond and to listen more than we speak.
6. James 3:2-10: “For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 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. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.” This passage gives a vivid description of how powerful and destructive the tongue can be, and how it should not be used for evil.
7. Proverbs 12:18: “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” This verse reminds us that our words can either wound or heal, and that we should strive to use our words for good.
8. Proverbs 13:3: “Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.” This verse reminds us to think before we speak, as our words can have dire consequences.
9. Proverbs 14:3: “By the mouth of a fool comes a rod for his back, but the lips of the wise will preserve them.” This verse warns us that foolish words will lead to punishment, while wise words will protect us.
10. Proverbs 15:4: “A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.” This verse emphasizes how important it is to use kind words, as they can bring life and joy to those around us.
11. Proverbs 16:23-24: “The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips. Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” These verses remind us that wise words can be both persuasive and sweet, and that they can nourish both the soul and the body.
12. Proverbs 17:27: “He who restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.” This verse encourages us to take a moment before we speak, as those who are in control of their words are seen as knowledgeable and understanding.
13. Proverbs 21:23: “Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.” This verse emphasizes the importance of controlling one’s tongue so as to stay out of trouble.
14. Proverbs 25:28: “Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls.” This verse reminds us that we must control our tongue if we are to remain in control of our lives.
15. Isaiah 50:4: “The Lord God has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary.” This verse reminds us that God has given us the ability to speak words of comfort and encouragement to those in need.
16. Matthew 12:34-37: “You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? 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. I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” This passage clearly states the consequences of using our words carelessly, and that we will be judged for our words.
17. Matthew 15:11: “Not what goes into the mouth defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a person.” This verse emphasizes that it is not what we eat, but what comes out of our mouths that will defile us.
18. 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.” This verse reminds us to use our words to build up and encourage others, rather than to tear them down.
19. Colossians 4:6: “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” This verse encourages us to be thoughtful and kind with our words, so that we can respond in the best way to each situation.
20. 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.’” This verse reminds us to guard our tongues from evil and deceit, so that we may live a good life.
21. 1 Timothy 6:20: “O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called ‘knowledge,’” This verse encourages us to be careful with our words and to avoid speaking foolishly.
22. Titus 3:2: “To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.” This verse reminds us to be kind and courteous with our words, and to avoid speaking ill of anyone.
23. Hebrews 13:5: “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” This verse encourages us to be content with what we have and to trust in God’s promises.
24. James 1:26: “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.” This verse reminds us that our words must be used carefully if we are to be truly religious.
25. James 3:17: “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” This verse reminds us that the words we use should be filled with wisdom, mercy, and good fruits.