Complete Bible Study Guide
What Does the Bible Say About Harsh Words?
16 Scripture references with full text and commentary
Understanding Harsh Words in the Bible
What does the Bible say about harsh words? Browse 16 carefully selected verses that illuminate this biblical theme.
Top 10 Verses About Harsh Words
- 1
- 2Proverbs 12:18
“There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.”
KJV - 3
- 4Proverbs 15:18
“A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.”
KJV - 5
- 6Matthew 5:21
“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: by: or, to”
KJV - 7Matthew 5:43
“Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.”
KJV - 8
- 9Ephesians 4:29
“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. to: or, to edify profitably”
KJV - 10Ephesians 4:31
“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:”
KJV
Old Testament: What Does the Bible Say About Harsh Words? (5 Verses)
“Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.”
“There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.”
“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”
“A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.”
“A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.”
New Testament: What Does the Bible Say About Harsh Words? (11 Verses)
“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: by: or, to”
“Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.”
“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:”
“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. to: or, to edify profitably”
“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:”
“And be ye kind one to another , tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”
“But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.”
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:”
“For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.”
“If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.”
“Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! a matter: or, wood”
How to Study What the Bible Says About Harsh Words
- 1
Begin by reading through every verse listed on this page, noting which ones speak most directly to your current season of life. Write them down and revisit them throughout the week.
- 2
Use a concordance or the search tools on this site to find additional passages about harsh words. Look for patterns across both the Old and New Testaments to gain a complete picture of what God reveals on this subject.
- 3
Study the context of each verse. Read the surrounding chapter to understand who was speaking, who the audience was, and what circumstances prompted the passage. Context prevents misapplication.
- 4
Memorise at least one key verse about harsh words and meditate on it daily. Scripture memory transforms thinking and equips you to apply God's Word in real-time situations.
Practical Application
Studying what the Bible says about harsh words is only the beginning. Scripture is meant to be lived out in daily obedience and faith. Here are practical steps to apply these truths:
Identify one area of your life where the biblical teaching on harsh words needs to be applied more consistently. Write a specific, actionable step you can take this week.
Share what you have learned about harsh words with a fellow believer or in a small group setting. Teaching others solidifies your own understanding and encourages mutual growth.
Pray through the key verses about harsh words, asking God to reveal how His Word applies to your relationships, decisions, and daily habits.
How Well Do You Know What the Bible Says About Harsh Words?
You have studied 16 verses about harsh words. Now test your knowledge with chapter-by-chapter quizzes covering the books where these verses appear.