Complete Bible Study Guide
What Does the Bible Say About Idle Talk?
14 Scripture references with full text and commentary
Understanding Idle Talk in the Bible
Explore what the Bible says about idle talk. This collection of 18 key Scripture passages reveals God's wisdom and guidance on this important theme.
Top 10 Verses About Idle Talk
- 1
- 2Proverbs 10:19
“In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.”
KJV - 3Proverbs 15:2
“The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. poureth: Heb. belcheth, or, bubbleth”
KJV - 4Proverbs 15:28
“The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.”
KJV - 5Proverbs 16:28
“A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends. soweth: Heb. sendeth forth”
KJV - 6Proverbs 17:28
“Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.”
KJV - 7Proverbs 20:19
“He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips. flattereth: or, enticeth”
KJV - 8Ecclesiastes 5:3
“For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words.”
KJV - 9Matthew 12:36
“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.”
KJV - 10Ephesians 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
Old Testament: What Does the Bible Say About Idle Talk? (8 Verses)
“Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.”
“In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.”
“The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. poureth: Heb. belcheth, or, bubbleth”
“The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.”
“A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends. soweth: Heb. sendeth forth”
“Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.”
“He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips. flattereth: or, enticeth”
“For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words.”
New Testament: What Does the Bible Say About Idle Talk? (6 Verses)
“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.”
“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”
“Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.”
“For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:”
“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 Idle Talk
- 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 idle talk. 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 idle talk 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 idle talk 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 idle talk needs to be applied more consistently. Write a specific, actionable step you can take this week.
Share what you have learned about idle talk 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 idle talk, 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 Idle Talk?
You have studied 14 verses about idle talk. Now test your knowledge with chapter-by-chapter quizzes covering the books where these verses appear.