Complete Bible Study Guide
What Does the Bible Say About Idle Words?
18 Scripture references with full text and commentary
Understanding Idle Words in the Bible
Discover 20 powerful Bible verses about idle words. Study what Scripture teaches about this essential character & virtues topic.
Top 10 Verses About Idle Words
- 1
- 2Proverbs 10:19
“In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.”
KJV - 3Proverbs 13:3
“He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.”
KJV - 4Proverbs 15:2
“The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. poureth: Heb. belcheth, or, bubbleth”
KJV - 5Proverbs 17:27
“He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. an: or, a cool”
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 18:21
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”
KJV - 8
- 9Ecclesiastes 5:3
“For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words.”
KJV - 10Matthew 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
Old Testament: What Does the Bible Say About Idle Words? (9 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.”
“He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.”
“The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. poureth: Heb. belcheth, or, bubbleth”
“He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. an: or, a cool”
“Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.”
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”
“Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.”
“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 Words? (9 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.”
“But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.”
“To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.”
“But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.”
“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”
“And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. course: Gr. wheel”
How to Study What the Bible Says About Idle 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 idle 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 idle 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 idle 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 idle words needs to be applied more consistently. Write a specific, actionable step you can take this week.
Share what you have learned about idle 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 idle 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 Idle Words?
You have studied 18 verses about idle words. Now test your knowledge with chapter-by-chapter quizzes covering the books where these verses appear.