the tongue
What does the Bible say about the tongue? These are the passages readers found most helpful — tap any citation to read it in context.
16 passages · most helpful first
21Death and life are in the power of the tongue. Whoever values it shall eat from its fruits.
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.
18He who makes promises is also jabbed, as if with a sword, in conscience. But the tongue of the wise is reasonable.
10For whoever wants to love life and to see good days should restrain his tongue from evil, and his lips, so that they utter no deceit.
8But no man is able to rule over the tongue, a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
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.
4A peaceful tongue is a tree of life. But that which is immoderate will crush the spirit.
23Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue guards his soul from anguish.
19In a multitude of speaking, sin will not be lacking. But whoever tempers his lips is most prudent.
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.
3O Lord, station a guard over my mouth and a door enclosing my lips.
1My brothers, not many of you should choose to become teachers, knowing that you shall receive a stricter judgment. 2For we all offend in many ways. If anyone does not offend in word, he is a perfect man. And he is then able, as if with a bridle, to lead the whole body around. 3For so we put bridles into the mouths of horses, in order to submit them to our will, and so we turn their whole body around. 4Consider also the ships, which, though they are great and may be driven by strong winds, yet they are turned around with a small rudder, to be directed to wherever the strength of the pilot might will. 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.
1A mild response shatters anger. But a harsh word stirs up fury.
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.
3Whoever guards his mouth guards his soul. But whoever gives no consideration to his speech shall experience misfortunes.
14Prohibit your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.