Complete Bible Study Guide
What Does the Bible Say About Our Speech?
14 Scripture references with full text and commentary
Understanding Our Speech in the Bible
Discover 14 powerful Bible verses about our speech. Study what Scripture teaches about this essential character & virtues topic.
Top 10 Verses About Our Speech
- 1
- 2
- 3Proverbs 15:4
“A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. A wholesome: Heb. The healing of the tongue”
KJV - 4
- 5Proverbs 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 - 6Proverbs 18:21
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”
KJV - 7
- 8Matthew 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 - 9Matthew 15:11
“Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.”
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 Our Speech? (7 Verses)
“Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.”
“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”
“A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. A wholesome: Heb. The healing of the tongue”
“Pleasant words are as an honeycomb , sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.”
“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.”
New Testament: What Does the Bible Say About Our Speech? (7 Verses)
“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.”
“Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.”
“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.”
“Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:”
“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.”
How to Study What the Bible Says About Our Speech
- 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 our speech. 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 our speech 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 our speech 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 our speech needs to be applied more consistently. Write a specific, actionable step you can take this week.
Share what you have learned about our speech 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 our speech, 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 Our Speech?
You have studied 14 verses about our speech. Now test your knowledge with chapter-by-chapter quizzes covering the books where these verses appear.