What Does the Bible Say About the Words We Speak and Their Power

What does the Bible say about the words we speak and their power? The Bible is full of wisdom about the words we use. In fact, Scripture teaches us that our words have power, either to build people up or tear them down. Let’s dive in and take a closer look at what the Bible says about the words we speak.

How Powerful Are the Words We Speak According to the Bible?

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. – Proverbs 18:21

These words from Proverbs remind us that the words we speak are, indeed, powerful! The Bible speaks about the power of words and how they shape our lives and relationships.

Our words, whether spoken or written, have the power of life (to lift someone up) or death (to tear someone down). Once the damage of tearing someone down with our words has been done, there’s no turning back. The person can forgive, but they’ll never be able to forget.

The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. – Proverbs 12:18

The Bible clearly teaches us that the words we speak can have a long-lasting impact on others. This is why we must be careful and intentional about the words we speak, especially when we’re tempted to speak recklessly. 

The power of words, as we see in the Bible, is profound; they can either heal or hurt.

What Did Jesus Say About the Words We Speak and Their Impact?

As you’ll see in these Bible verses, the words that come out of our mouth are important. Jesus taught us about the power of words and how they reflect our hearts.

Listen to the words of Jesus Himself as He shares about the power of words.

“A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” – Luke 6:45

“But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them.” – Matthew 15:18

“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” – Matthew 12:36-37

“What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.” – Matthew 15:11

Jesus’ teachings on the power of words remind us that our speech is not just a matter of communication but an expression of our hearts. Our words reveal who we truly are!

Bible Verses on the Power of Words: Proverbs and More

If you’re wondering what the Bible says about the way we speak and the power of spoken words, look no further than these scriptures.

Let these Bible verses about wise words penetrate deep into your heart, especially the many teachings in Proverbs.

Proverbs 15:1

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

Proverbs 15:2

The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.

Psalm 19:14

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Proverbs 16:24

Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

Colossians 3:8

But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.

Proverbs 21:23

Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.

Psalm 141:3

Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.

Psalm 34:13

Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.

Proverbs 13:3

Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.

Colossians 3:17

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Proverbs 18:4

The words of the mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream.

Psalm 19:14

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Proverbs 15:4

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

Proverbs 17:27-28

The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.

James 1:19

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,

Proverbs 15:28

The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.

Proverbs 12:25

Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.

Colossians 4:6

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Proverbs 10:11

The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.

Proverbs 4:24

Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.

If I could sum up what the Bible says about the words we speak in one verse, I think Ephesians 4:29 would be it.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Our Words Tell a Story: What the Bible Says About What We Say

The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body…With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 

Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. – James 3:6a, 9-10

Jackie Hill Perry, in her devotional Upon Waking, shares this very powerful truth regarding what James says about the words that come out of our mouth!

“The way we speak to and about people tells a story. If we understand everyone, friend and foe, neighbor and nuisance, as made in the likeness of God, the words we say should be tempered by that truth.

Every single person we will ever converse with, both sinner and saint, bears the image of God; and for that reason, each person is worthy of honor.”

How to Use Your Words Wisely From A Christian Perspective

So how do we actually apply this wisdom? Here are a few simple ways:

• Think Before You Speak: Always take a moment to consider how your words might impact someone else. Will they help or hurt? Will they bring peace or cause conflict? Proverbs 15:28 says, “The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.” Weigh your words before speaking!

• Ask God for Help: We’re all prone to slip up with our words. Ask God for wisdom, especially in tough situations. Psalm 141:3 says, “Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” Invite God into your conversations and ask for His help in speaking wisely.

• Encourage Others: Use your words to build others up. Ephesians 4:29 says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs.” Whether it’s a friend, a colleague, or even a stranger, your words can make a difference.

Choose Your Words Wisely and Speak Life

In the end, the Bible makes it clear that the words we speak hold incredible power. They can build others up or tear them down, and they reflect what’s in our hearts.

As followers of Christ, we are called to use our words to bring life, not destruction.

Let’s remember that every conversation is an opportunity to share God’s love, offer healing, and speak truth. By being intentional with our words, we can honor God and bless those around us.

If this was helpful in knowing what the Bible says about the power of our words, you might also like:

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