idle talk
What does the Bible say about idle talk? These are the passages readers found most helpful — tap any citation to read it in context.
18 passages · most helpful first
29Let no evil words proceed from your mouth, but only what is good, toward the edification of faith, so as to bestow grace upon those who listen.
36But I say to you, that for every idle word which men will have spoken, they shall render an account in the day of judgment.
4nor any indecent, or foolish, or abusive talk, for this is without purpose; but instead, give thanks.
19In a multitude of speaking, sin will not be lacking. But whoever tempers his lips is most prudent.
13And being at the same time also idle, they learn to go from house to house, being not only idle, but also talkative and curious, speaking of things which do not concern them.
16But avoid profane or empty talk. For these things advance one greatly in impiety.
26But if anyone considers himself to be religious, but he does not restrain his tongue, but instead seduces his own heart: such a one’s religion is vanity.
2The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge. But the mouth of the senseless gushes with foolishness.
14Insist on these things, testifying before the Lord. Do not be contentious about words, for this is useful for nothing but the subversion of listeners. 15Be solicitous in the task of presenting yourself before God as a proven and unashamed worker who has handled the Word of Truth correctly. 16But avoid profane or empty talk. For these things advance one greatly in impiety.
10For there are, indeed, many who are disobedient, who speak empty words, and who deceive, especially those who are of the circumcision.
19Do not become involved with him who reveals mysteries, and who walks deceitfully, and who enlarges his lips.
28If he would remain silent, even the foolish would be considered wise, and if he closes his lips, intelligent.
5So also the tongue certainly is a small part, but it moves great things. Consider that a small fire can set ablaze a great forest. 6And so the tongue is like a fire, comprising all iniquity. The tongue, stationed in the midst of our body, can defile the entire body and inflame the wheel of our nativity, setting a fire from Hell.
3If you have vowed anything to God, you should not delay to repay it. And whatever you have vowed, render it. But an unfaithful and foolish promise displeases him.
28A perverse man stirs up lawsuits. And one who is verbose divides leaders.
28The mind of the just meditates on obedience. The mouth of the impious overflows with evils.
20O Timothy, guard what has been deposited with you, avoiding the voice of profane novelties and of opposing ideas, which are falsely called knowledge.
3O Lord, station a guard over my mouth and a door enclosing my lips.