Summary

Power of the tongue bible verse
https://holylandmerchandise.com

Power of the tongue bible verse

The Ultimate Biblical Guide to the Power of the Tongue

Part 1: The Scripture Collection (60 Verses)

 

I have categorized these verses to reveal the dual nature of the tongue: its capacity for death and destruction, and its capacity for life and healing.

The Power of Life and Death (The Core Principle)

 

1. Proverbs 18:21 – “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”

2. Proverbs 12:18 – “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”

3. Proverbs 15:4 – “A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.”

4. James 3:5 – “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!”

5. James 3:6 – “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.”

6. Proverbs 21:23 – “Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.”

7. 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.”

8. Proverbs 13:3 – “Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.”

The Connection Between Heart and Mouth

 

9. Matthew 12:34 – “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”

10. Matthew 15:11 – “It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.”

11. 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.”

12. Proverbs 4:24 – “Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you.”

13. Psalm 19:14 – “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”

14. Proverbs 16:23 – “The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips.”

Wisdom, Restraint & Silence

 

15. Proverbs 10:19 – “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.”

16. Proverbs 17:27 – “Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.”

17. Proverbs 17:28 – “Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.”

18. James 1:19 – “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.”

19. 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.”

20. Ecclesiastes 5:2 – “Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few.”

21. Psalm 141:3 – “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!”

22. Proverbs 29:20 – “Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.”

23. Ecclesiastes 3:7 – “A time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.”

Gossip, Slander & Lying

 

24. Proverbs 11:13 – “Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.”

25. Proverbs 16:28 – “A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.”

26. Proverbs 20:19 – “Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.”

27. Proverbs 6:16-19 – “There are six things that the Lord hates… a lying tongue…”

28. Exodus 23:1 – “You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with a wicked man to be a malicious witness.”

29. Leviticus 19:16 – “You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people.”

30. Psalm 101:5 – “Whoever slanders his neighbor secretly I will destroy.”

31. Proverbs 12:22 – “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.”

32. Ephesians 4:25 – “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor.”

33. Colossians 3:9 – “Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices.”

34. Psalm 34:13 – “Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.”

35. Titus 3:2 – “To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.”

    Edification, Blessing & Kindness

 

36. 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.”

37. Colossians 4:6 – “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”

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

39. Proverbs 16:24 – “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”

40. Proverbs 25:11 – “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.”

41. Proverbs 15:23 – “To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!”

42. 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.”

43. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 – “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”

44. Hebrews 3:13 – “But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today,’ that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”

45. Romans 12:14 – “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”

Judgment for Words

 

46. Matthew 12:36 – “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak.”

47. Matthew 12:37 – “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

48. James 4:11 – “Do not speak evil against one another, brothers.”

49. Jude 1:15 – “To execute judgment on all… and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against him.”

50. Psalm 52:2-4 – “Your tongue plots destruction, like a sharp razor, you worker of deceit.”

Taming the Untamable (Reliance on God)

 

51. James 3:8 – “But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.”

52. James 3:9-10 – “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.”

53. Psalm 39:1 – “I said, ‘I will guard my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle.'”

54. Psalm 51:15 – “O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.”

55. Proverbs 10:20 – “The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is of little worth.”

56. Proverbs 10:31 – “The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off.”

57. Proverbs 14:3 – “By the mouth of a fool comes a rod for his back, but the lips of the wise will preserve them.”

58. Proverbs 15:2 – “The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.”

59. Proverbs 15:7 – “The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools.”

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

Part 2: Top 25 Forum Q&A (What Believers Are Asking)

 

I have analyzed the most active discussions on r/Christianity, GotQuestions, and Quora regarding speech and the tongue.

1. Q: Does “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” mean I can manifest reality with my words? A: This is a debated topic. The “Word of Faith” movement says yes. However, traditional orthodox theology interprets this as influence rather than creation. You can kill a relationship, a reputation, or encouragement with words, but you cannot speak physical matter into existence like God does.

2. Q: Is swearing/cursing a sin if I don’t mean it in anger? A: Ephesians 4:29 says “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths.” If the word is culturally defined as vulgar or offensive, it does not fit the description of “grace” or “edification” and should be avoided by believers.

3. Q: How do I control my tongue when I am angry? A: James 1:19 is the key: “Slow to speak.” The physical act of pausing, breathing, and praying Psalm 141:3 (“Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth”) breaks the reactive cycle.

4. Q: What exactly counts as gossip? A: Gossip is sharing private information about someone with people who are neither part of the problem nor part of the solution. If you are sharing it for entertainment or to vent, it is gossip.

5. Q: Is “venting” to a friend a sin? A: It treads a fine line. Venting to process emotion with a trusted counselor or mentor is healthy. Venting to mutual friends to garner sympathy and disparage another person is slander.

6. Q: Why did Jesus say we will be judged for “every idle word”? A: “Idle” means useless, barren, or lazy. Jesus highlights that our casual speech reveals our true character more than our rehearsed speech.

7. Q: Is it a lie if I withhold the truth to protect someone (like the midwives in Egypt)? A: This is an ethical dilemma. Most theologians agree that while lying is generally sin, saving a life (valuing the Image of God) takes precedence over total transparency in extreme evil situations (like Nazi Germany).

8. Q: How do I stop being sarcastic? A: Sarcasm often stems from hidden anger or insecurity. Ask God to heal the root. Sarcasm literally means “to tear flesh.” It is rarely edifying.

9. Q: Does James 3:8 mean it’s impossible to stop sinning with my tongue? A: It means no human can tame it by willpower alone. It requires the supernatural intervention of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22 – Self-control).

10. Q: Is it wrong to complain? A: Philippians 2:14 says “Do all things without grumbling.” Complaining denies God’s sovereignty. Lament (taking pain to God) is biblical; complaining (grumbling about God to others) is not.

11. Q: How do I deal with a coworker who curses all the time? A: Be a light. Do not participate. Sometimes your silence is a rebuke. If they ask, gently explain you prefer not to use that language, but do not be self-righteous.

12. Q: Can I pray silently, or must I speak out loud for it to work? A: Hannah prayed silently (1 Samuel 1). God hears the heart. However, speaking Scripture out loud strengthens your faith (Romans 10:17).

13. Q: What is “blasphemy against the Holy Spirit”? A: This is the unpardonable sin. In context (Matthew 12), it is attributing the clear works of the Holy Spirit (Jesus’ miracles) to Satan, with a hardened heart that refuses repentance.

14. Q: Why does the Bible say the tongue is “set on fire by hell”? A: Because Satan is the “Accuser of the brethren.” When we use our tongues to destroy, accuse, and lie, we are doing the enemy’s work.

15. Q: How do I apologize if I’ve hurt someone with my words? A: Be specific. Don’t say “I’m sorry if you felt hurt.” Say, “I was wrong to say [X]. It was unloving and I ask your forgiveness.”

16. Q: Is flattery a sin? A: Yes. Psalm 12:2 condemns it. Flattery is insincere praise used to manipulate or gain advantage. Encouragement is sincere praise used to build up.

17. Q: How do I handle “white lies”? A: God desires “truth in the inward parts” (Psalm 51:6). Often, white lies are just convenience to avoid awkwardness. Courageous kindness is better than polite deception.

18. Q: Does the “power of the tongue” apply to self-talk? A: Absolutely. If you constantly tell yourself “I am worthless,” you are agreeing with the enemy. Speaking God’s truth over yourself renews your mind (Romans 12:2).

19. Q: What does “seasoned with salt” mean (Col 4:6)? A: Salt preserves and adds flavor. Our speech should prevent corruption (stop gossip) and make the Gospel attractive (flavorful) to outsiders.

20. Q: Is silence always golden? A: No. “There is a time to speak” (Eccl 3:7). Remaining silent when injustice occurs or when the Gospel needs to be shared is fear, not wisdom.

21. Q: Can words really break a spirit (Proverbs 15:4)? A: Yes. Verbal abuse leaves deep psychological scars. The Bible acknowledges that emotional wounds from words are real and destructive.

22. Q: How do I break a curse spoken over me? A: You don’t need a ritual. You need the truth. “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law” (Galatians 3:13). No human curse can stand against a child of God.

23. Q: Why is it so hard to admit I am wrong? A: Pride. The tongue is the defender of the Ego. Confession requires humility.

24. Q: Is joking around sinful? A: Not inherently. But Ephesians 5:4 warns against “coarse jesting.” Humor that relies on sexual immorality or demeaning others is out of bounds.

25. Q: How do I teach my kids about the power of the tongue? A: Use the “Toothpaste” analogy. Once the toothpaste (words) is squeezed out, you can’t put it back in the tube.

---

Part 3: 15 Actionable Tips for Daily Application

 

At Work & Career

 

1. The 24-Hour Rule: Never send an angry email or Slack message immediately. Write it, save it, and review it 24 hours later. You will almost always delete or rewrite it.

2. No-Gossip Zone: When a coworker says, “Did you hear about…”, reply with, “I haven’t, and I’d prefer not to discuss them when they aren’t here to defend themselves.”

3. The Encouragement quota: Set a goal to verbally encourage three colleagues every day. Be specific (“I really appreciated how you handled that client”).

4. Truthful Feedback: When reviewing an employee, use the “Sandwich method” (Praise – Correction – Praise) but ensure the correction is clear and truthful, not vague.

In Studies (School/University)

 

5. Refuse to Bully: Your words can isolate or include. Use your tongue to invite the lonely student to your table.

6. Respectful Debate: In class discussions, attack the argument, not the person. Use phrases like “I see it differently” rather than “That’s stupid.”

7. Exam Prayer: Instead of saying “I’m going to fail,” speak out: “I have studied, and I ask the Holy Spirit to bring to remembrance what I have learned.”

Social Life

 

8. The “3-Gatekeeper” Test: Before sharing news, ask: Is it True? Is it Kind? Is it Necessary? If it misses one, don’t say it.

9. Active Listening: God gave you two ears and one mouth. Listen twice as much as you speak.

10. Stop Self-Deprecation: Don’t bond with friends by tearing yourself down. It dishonors God’s creation (you).

11. Blessing the Server: When at a restaurant, use your tongue to thank the server by name and look them in the eye.

Family & Home

 

12. The First 5 Minutes: Ensure the first words your family hears from you in the morning are positive (“Good morning, I love you”) rather than functional (“Where are your shoes?”).

13. Argue Naked (Metaphorically): Drop your defenses. When fighting with a spouse, avoid absolutes like “You always” or “You never.” Stick to the specific issue.

14. Blessing Children: Every night, speak a biblical blessing over your children (e.g., “The Lord bless you and keep you”). They will remember this forever.

15. The Apology Audit: If you snap at your family, apologize immediately and without excuse (“I’m sorry I yelled,” not “I’m sorry I yelled but you made me mad“).