Verse of the Day

14 Bible Verses About The Power of the Tongue

The 14 most-voted scriptures about The Power of the Tongue, from 6 books (Proverbs, Psalm, James and 3 more), ranked by the OpenBible.info community.

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Proverbs 18:21

BSB

Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Overview

Life and death, healing and a gentle answer open the verses that readers of OpenBible linked to the power of the tongue. Half of the entries are from Proverbs, two are prayers from the Psalms, and the others are words of Jesus and passages from the letters, in four groups described below.

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Proverbs 18:21 says, “Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 12:18 says that speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing; 15:1 that a gentle answer turns away wrath; and 15:4 that a soothing tongue is a tree of life. Proverbs 10:19 says that when words are many, sin is unavoidable, and 13:3 and 21:23 speak of the one who guards his mouth.

In Psalm 19:14 the psalmist asks that the words of his mouth and the meditation of his heart be pleasing to the LORD, and in Psalm 141:3 he asks the LORD to set a guard over his mouth. The headings of both psalms attribute them to David.

Ephesians 4:29 tells its readers to let no unwholesome talk come out of their mouths, but only what is helpful for building up. In Matthew 12:36 Jesus, answering Pharisees, says that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. James 1:26 speaks of one who does not bridle his tongue, and James 3:8 says that no man can tame the tongue. 1 Peter 3:10 opens a quotation: whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil.

All 14 verses in vote order
  1. Proverbs 18:21
  2. Proverbs 12:18
  3. Ephesians 4:29
  4. Psalm 19:14
  5. Psalm 141:3
  6. Proverbs 10:19
  7. Proverbs 13:3
  8. Proverbs 15:1
  9. Proverbs 15:4
  10. Proverbs 21:23
  11. Matthew 12:36
  12. James 1:26
  13. James 3:8
  14. 1 Peter 3:10

Life and death, healing and a gentle answer

Proverbs 18:21

BSB

KJV

WEB

BSB

Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

KJV

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

WEB

Death and life are in the power of the tongue; those who love it will eat its fruit.

From Proverbs, in the collection that the book calls the proverbs of Solomon.

Context (BSB)

Proverbs 18:20

From the fruit of his mouth a man’s belly is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.

Proverbs 18:22

He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.

Interlinear (Strong’s)
מָ֣וֶת

H4194

Ma.vet

H:N-M

death

וְ֭/חַיִּים

H2416E

Ve./chai.yim

H:N-M

life

בְּ/יַד\־

H3027H

be./yad-

H:N-F

hand: power

לָשׁ֑וֹן

H3956G

la.Shon

H:N

tongue

וְ֝/אֹהֲבֶ֗י/הָ

H0157G

ve./'o.ha.Vei./ha

H:V

to love: lover

יֹאכַ֥ל

H0398

yo.Khal

H:V

to eat

פִּרְיָֽ/הּ\׃

H6529

pir.Ya/h

H:N-M

fruit

Related passages

Proverbs 12:18

BSB

KJV

WEB

BSB

Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

KJV

There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.

WEB

There is one who speaks rashly like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise heals.

From Proverbs, in the collection that the book calls the proverbs of Solomon.

Context (BSB)

Proverbs 12:17

He who speaks the truth declares what is right, but a false witness speaks deceit.

Proverbs 12:19

Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

Interlinear (Strong’s)
יֵ֣שׁ

H3426

yesh

H:A

there

בּ֭וֹטֶה

H0981

Bo.teh

H:V

to speak rashly

כְּ/מַדְקְר֣וֹת

H4094

ke./mad.ke.Rot

H:N-F

thrust

חָ֑רֶב

H2719

Cha.rev

H:N-F

sword

וּ/לְשׁ֖וֹן

H3956G

u./le.Shon

H:N

tongue

חֲכָמִ֣ים

H2450

cha.kha.Mim

H:A

wise

מַרְפֵּֽא\׃

H4832

mar.Pe'

H:N-M

healing

Related passages

Proverbs 15:1

BSB

KJV

WEB

BSB

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

KJV

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

WEB

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

From Proverbs, in the collection that the book calls the proverbs of Solomon.

Context (BSB)

Proverbs 14:35

A king delights in a wise servant, but his anger falls on the shameful.

Proverbs 15:2

The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly.

Interlinear (Strong’s)
מַֽעֲנֶה\־

H4617

ma.'a.neh-

H:N-M

answer

רַּ֭ךְ

H7390

rakh

H:A

tender

יָשִׁ֣יב

H7725I

ya.Shiv

H:V

to return: turn back

חֵמָ֑ה

H2534

che.Mah

H:N-F

rage

וּ/דְבַר\־

H1697G

u./de.var-

H:N-M

word

עֶ֝֗צֶב

H6089A

'E.tzev

H:N-M

toil

יַעֲלֶה\־

H5927H

ya.'a.leh-

H:V

to ascend: establish

אָֽף\׃

H0639G

'Af

H:N-M

face: anger

Related passages

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Proverbs 15:4

BSB

KJV

WEB

BSB

A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.

KJV

A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.

WEB

A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but deceit in it crushes the spirit.

From Proverbs, in the collection that the book calls the proverbs of Solomon.

Context (BSB)

Proverbs 15:3

The eyes of the LORD are in every place, observing the evil and the good.

Proverbs 15:5

A fool rejects his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction is prudent.

Interlinear (Strong’s)
מַרְפֵּ֣א

H4832

mar.Pe'

H:N-M

healing

לָ֭שׁוֹן

H3956G

La.shon

H:N

tongue

עֵ֣ץ

H6086H

'etz

H:N-M

tree

חַיִּ֑ים

H2416E

chai.Yim

H:N-M

life

וְ/סֶ֥לֶף

H5558

ve./Se.lef

H:N-M

crookedness

בָּ֝֗/הּ

H9034

Ba/h

Os3f

her

שֶׁ֣בֶר

H7667

She.ver

H:N-M

breaking

בְּ/רֽוּחַ\׃

H7307G

be./Ru.ach

H:N-F

spirit

Related passages

Restraining the lips and guarding the mouth

Proverbs 10:19

BSB

KJV

WEB

BSB

When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.

KJV

In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

WEB

In the multitude of words there is no lack of disobedience, but he who restrains his lips does wisely.

From Proverbs, near the start of the collection that the book calls the proverbs of Solomon.

Context (BSB)

Proverbs 10:18

The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool.

Proverbs 10:20

The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked has little worth.

Interlinear (Strong’s)
בְּ/רֹ֣ב

H7230

be./Ro

H:N-M

abundance

דְּ֭בָרִים

H1697G

De.va.rim

H:N-M

word

לֹ֣א

H3808

lo'

H:Neg

not

יֶחְדַּל\־

H2308

yech.dal-

H:V

to cease

פָּ֑שַׁע

H6588

Pa.sha'

H:N-M

transgression

וְ/חֹשֵׂ֖ךְ

H2820

ve./cho.Sekh

H:V

to withhold

שְׂפָתָ֣י/ו

H8193G

se.fa.Ta/v

H:N-F

lips

מַשְׂכִּֽיל\׃

H7919A

mas.Kil

H:V

be prudent

Related passages

Proverbs 13:3

BSB

KJV

WEB

BSB

He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.

KJV

He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.

WEB

He who guards his mouth guards his soul. One who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.

From Proverbs, in the collection that the book calls the proverbs of Solomon.

Context (BSB)

Proverbs 13:2

From the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good things, but the desire of the faithless is violence.

Proverbs 13:4

The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied.

Interlinear (Strong’s)
נֹצֵ֣ר

H5341

no.Tzer

H:V

to watch

פִּ֭י/ו

H6310G

pi/v

H:N-M

lip

שֹׁמֵ֣ר

H8104H

sho.Mer

H:V

to keep: guard

נַפְשׁ֑/וֹ

H5315H

naf.Sh/o

H:N-F

soul: life

פֹּשֵׂ֥ק

H6589

po.Sek

H:V

to open

שְׂ֝פָתָ֗י/ו

H8193G

Se.fa.Ta/v

H:N-F

lips

מְחִתָּה\־

H4288

me.chi.tah-

H:N-F

terror

לֽ/וֹ\׃

H9033

l/o

Os3m

him

Related passages

Proverbs 21:23

BSB

KJV

WEB

BSB

He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.

KJV

Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

WEB

Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles.

From Proverbs, in the collection that the book calls the proverbs of Solomon.

Context (BSB)

Proverbs 21:22

A wise man scales the city of the mighty and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust.

Proverbs 21:24

Mocker is the name of the proud and arrogant man—of him who acts with excessive pride.

Interlinear (Strong’s)
שֹׁמֵ֣ר

H8104H

sho.Mer

H:V

to keep: guard

פִּ֭י/ו

H6310G

pi/v

H:N-M

lip

וּ/לְשׁוֹנ֑/וֹ

H3956G

u./le.sho.N/o

H:N

tongue

שֹׁמֵ֖ר

H8104H

sho.Mer

H:V

to keep: guard

מִ/צָּר֣וֹת

H6869B

mi./tza.Rot

H:N-F

distress

נַפְשֽׁ/וֹ\׃

H5315I

naf.Sh/o

H:N-F

soul: myself

Related passages

Prayers about the words of the mouth, in the Psalms

Psalm 19:14

BSB

KJV

WEB

BSB

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

KJV

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

WEB

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, LORD, my rock, and my redeemer.

From a psalm whose heading attributes it to David; it is the last verse of the psalm.

Context (BSB)

Psalm 19:13

Keep Your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless and cleansed of great transgression.

Psalm 20:1

For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.

Related passages

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Psalm 141:3

BSB

KJV

WEB

BSB

Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.

KJV

Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.

WEB

Set a watch, LORD, before my mouth. Keep the door of my lips.

From a psalm whose heading attributes it to David, a prayer that opens by calling on the LORD to hear.

Context (BSB)

Psalm 141:2

May my prayer be set before You like incense; my uplifted hands, like the evening offering.

Psalm 141:4

Do not let my heart be drawn to any evil thing or take part in works of wickedness with men who do iniquity; let me not feast on their delicacies.

Interlinear (Strong’s)
שִׁיתָ֣/ה

H7896G

shi.Ta/h

H:V

to set: make

יְ֭הוָה

H3068G

Yah.weh

N:N--T

LORD

שָׁמְרָ֣ה

H8108

sha.me.Rah

H:N-F

guard

לְ/פִ֑/י

H6310G

le./F/i

H:N-M

lip

נִ֝צְּרָ֗/ה

H5341

ni.tze.Ra/h

H:V

to watch

עַל\־

H5921A

'al-

H:Prep

upon

דַּ֥ל

H1817A

dal

H:N-M

door

שְׂפָתָֽ/י\׃

H8193G

se.fa.Ta/i

H:N-F

lips

Related passages

Careless words, an untamed tongue, and words that build up

Ephesians 4:29

BSB

KJV

WEB

BSB

Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.

KJV

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

WEB

Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but only what is good for building others up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear.

From a letter in the name of Paul to the saints in Ephesus, in a passage about the old self and the new.

Context (BSB)

Ephesians 4:28

He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need.

Ephesians 4:30

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Interlinear (Strong’s)
Πᾶς

G3956

Pas

G:A

all

λόγος

G3056

logos

G:N-M

word

σαπρὸς

G4550

sapros

G:A

rotten

ἐκ

G1537

ek

G:PREP

out from

τοῦ

G3588

tou

G:T

the/this/who

στόματος

G4750

stomatos

G:N-N

mouth

ὑμῶν

G4771

humōn

G:P-2

you

μὴ

G3361

mē

G:PRT-N

not

ἐκπορευέσθω

G1607

ekporeuesthō

G:V

to depart

ἀλλ᾽

G0235

all᾽

G:CONJ

but

εἴ

G1487G

ei

G:COND

if

τις

G5100

tis

G:X

one

ἀγαθὸς

G0018

agathos

G:A / G:ADV

good

πρὸς

G4314

pros

G:PREP

to/with

οἰκοδομὴν

G3619

oikodomēn

G:N-F

building

τῆς

G3588

tēs

G:T

the/this/who

χρείας,

G5532

chreias

G:N-F

need

ἵνα

G2443

ina

G:CONJ

in order that/to

δῷ

G1325

dō

G:V

to give

χάριν

G5485

charin

G:N-F

grace

τοῖς

G3588

tois

G:T

the/this/who

ἀκούουσιν.

G0191

akouousin

G:V

to hear

Related passages

Matthew 12:36

BSB

KJV

WEB

BSB

But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.

KJV

But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

WEB

I tell you that every idle word that men speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.

Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew, answering Pharisees who have said that He drives out demons by Beelzebul.

Context (BSB)

Matthew 12:35

The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure.

Matthew 12:37

For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Interlinear (Strong’s)
Λέγω

G3004G

Legō

G:V

to say

δὲ

G1161

de

G:CONJ

then

ὑμῖν

G4771

humin

G:P-2

you

ὅτι

G3754G

hoti

G:CONJ

that/since: that

πᾶν

G3956

pan

G:A

all

ῥῆμα

G4487

rhēma

G:N-N

declaration

ἀργὸν

G0692

argon

G:A

idle

ὃ

G3739

ho

G:R

which

ἐὰν

G1437

ean

G:COND

if

λαλήσουσιν

G2980

lalēsousin

G:V

to speak

οἱ

G3588

hoi

G:T

the/this/who

ἄνθρωποι,

G0444

anthrōpoi

G:N-M

a human

ἀποδώσουσιν

G0591

apodōsousin

G:V

to pay

περὶ

G4012

peri

G:PREP

about

αὐτοῦ

G0846

autou

G:P

it/s/he

λόγον

G3056

logon

G:N-M

word

ἐν

G1722

en

G:PREP

in/on/among

ἡμέρᾳ

G2250

hēmera

G:N-F

day

κρίσεως.

G2920

kriseōs

G:N-F

judgment

James 1:26

BSB

KJV

WEB

BSB

If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.

KJV

If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.

WEB

If anyone among you thinks himself to be religious while he doesn’t bridle his tongue, but deceives his heart, this man’s religion is worthless.

From a letter that names its writer as James and its readers as the twelve tribes of the Dispersion, in its first chapter.

Context (BSB)

James 1:25

But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom, and continues to do so—not being a forgetful hearer, but an effective doer—he will be blessed in what he does.

James 1:27

Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Interlinear (Strong’s)
Εἴ

G1487G

Ei

G:COND

if

τις

G5100

tis

G:X

one

δοκεῖ

G1380

dokei

G:V

to think

θρησκὸς

G2357

thrēskos

G:A

religious

εἶναι

G1511

einai

G:V

to exist

ἐν

G1722

en

G:PREP

in/on/among

ὑμῖν

G4771

humin

G:P-2

you

μὴ

G3361

mē

G:PRT-N

not

χαλιναγωγῶν

G5468

chalinagōgōn

G:V

to bridle

γλῶσσαν

G1100

glōssan

G:N-F

tongue

αὐτοῦ

G0846

autou

G:P

it/s/he

ἀλλ᾽

G0235

all᾽

G:CONJ

but

ἀπατῶν

G0538

apatōn

G:V

to trick

καρδίαν

G2588

kardian

G:N-F

heart

αὐτοῦ,

G0846

autou

G:P

it/s/he

τούτου

G3778

toutou

G:D

this/he/she/it

μάταιος

G3152

mataios

G:A / G:ADV

futile

ἡ

G3588

hē

G:T

the/this/who

θρησκεία.

G2356

thrēskeia

G:N-F

religion

Related passages

James 3:8

BSB

KJV

WEB

BSB

but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

KJV

But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

WEB

but nobody can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

From a letter that names its writer as James and its readers as the twelve tribes of the Dispersion, in a passage about the tongue that opens with a warning to those who would become teachers.

Context (BSB)

James 3:7

All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man,

James 3:9

With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness.

Interlinear (Strong’s)
τὴν

G3588

tēn

G:T

the/this/who

δὲ

G1161

de

G:CONJ

then

γλῶσσαν

G1100

glōssan

G:N-F

tongue

οὐδεὶς

G3762

oudeis

G:A

none

δαμάσαι

G1150

damasai

G:V

to tame

δύναται

G1410

dunatai

G:V

be able

ἀνθρώπων·

G0444

anthrōpōn

G:N-M

a human

ἀκατάστατον

G0182

akatastaton

G:A

restless

κακόν,

G2556G

kakon

G:A

evil/harm: evil

μεστὴ

G3324

mestē

G:A

full

ἰοῦ

G2447

iou

G:N-M

poison/rust

θανατηφόρου.

G2287

thanatēphorou

G:A

deadly

1 Peter 3:10

BSB

KJV

WEB

BSB

For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.

KJV

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:

WEB

For, “He who would love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit.

From a letter that names its writer as Peter, to believers living as exiles in several provinces; the verse opens a quotation that continues in the two verses after it.

Context (BSB)

1 Peter 3:9

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

1 Peter 3:11

He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.

Interlinear (Strong’s)
ὁ

G3588

ho

G:T

the/this/who

γὰρ

G1063

gar

G:CONJ

for

θέλων

G2309

thelōn

G:V

to will/desire

ζωὴν

G2222

zōēn

G:N-F

life

ἀγαπᾶν

G0025

agapan

G:V

to love

καὶ

G2532

kai

G:CONJ

and

ἰδεῖν

G1492H

idein

G:V

to perceive: see

ἡμέρας

G2250

hēmeras

G:N-F

day

ἀγαθὰς

G0018

agathas

G:A / G:ADV

good

παυσάτω

G3973

pausatō

G:V

to cease

τὴν

G3588

tēn

G:T

the/this/who

γλῶσσαν

G1100

glōssan

G:N-F

tongue

αὐτοῦ

G0846

autou

G:P

it/s/he

ἀπὸ

G0575

apo

G:PREP

away from

κακοῦ

G2556G

kakou

G:A

evil/harm: evil

καὶ

G2532

kai

G:CONJ

and

χείλη

G5491

cheilē

G:N-N

lip

αὐτοῦ

G0846

autou

G:P

it/s/he

τοῦ

G3588

tou

G:T

the/this/who

μὴ

G3361

mē

G:PRT-N

not

λαλῆσαι

G2980

lalēsai

G:V

to speak

δόλον.

G1388

dolon

G:N-M

deceit

Related passages

Verses to pray, send and memorize

  • A verse to pray

    May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

    Psalm 19:14

    BSB

  • A verse to send to someone

    A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.

    Proverbs 15:4

    BSB

  • A short verse to memorize

    Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.

    Psalm 141:3

    BSB

14 verses, from 6 books:

  • Psalm (2)
  • Proverbs (7)
  • Matthew (1)
  • Ephesians (1)
  • James (2)
  • 1 Peter (1)

Related topics