idle words
What does the Bible say about idle words? These are the passages readers found most helpful — tap any citation to read it in context.
23 passages · most helpful first
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.
19In a multitude of speaking, sin will not be lacking. But whoever tempers his lips is most prudent.
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. 37For by your words shall you be justified, and by your words shall you be condemned.”
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.
16But avoid profane or empty talk. For these things advance one greatly in impiety.
2The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge. But the mouth of the senseless gushes with foolishness.
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.
4nor any indecent, or foolish, or abusive talk, for this is without purpose; but instead, give thanks.
3O Lord, station a guard over my mouth and a door enclosing my lips.
8But now you must set aside all these things: anger, indignation, malice, blasphemy, and indecent speech from your mouth.
23Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue guards his soul from anguish.
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.
3Whoever guards his mouth guards his soul. But whoever gives no consideration to his speech shall experience misfortunes.
27Whoever moderates his words is learned and prudent. And a man of learning has a precious spirit. 28If he would remain silent, even the foolish would be considered wise, and if he closes his lips, intelligent.
9But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, as well as arguments against the law. For these are useless and empty.
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.
28If he would remain silent, even the foolish would be considered wise, and if he closes his lips, intelligent.
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.
21Death and life are in the power of the tongue. Whoever values it shall eat from its fruits.
2to speak evil of no one, not to be litigious, but to be reserved, displaying all meekness toward all men.
11Whoever speaks a word at an opportune time is like apples of gold on beds of silver.
37For by your words shall you be justified, and by your words shall you be condemned.”