Complete Bible Study Guide
What Does the Bible Say About Speech?
17 Scripture references with full text and commentary
Understanding Speech in the Bible
Explore what the Bible says about speech. This collection of 17 key Scripture passages reveals God's wisdom and guidance on this important theme.
Top 10 Verses About Speech
- 1Psalms 19:14
“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. strength: Heb. rock”
KJV - 2
- 3Psalms 49:3
“My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.”
KJV - 4
- 5Proverbs 8:13
“The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.”
KJV - 6
- 7Proverbs 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 - 8
- 9Proverbs 18:13
“He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him. answereth: Heb. returneth a word”
KJV - 10Proverbs 18:21
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”
KJV
Subtopics of Speech
Old Testament: What Does the Bible Say About Speech? (11 Verses)
“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. strength: Heb. rock”
“The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.”
“My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.”
“Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.”
“The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.”
“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.”
“He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him. answereth: Heb. returneth a word”
“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 Speech? (6 Verses)
“Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.”
“But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: speaking: or, being sincere”
“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”
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:”
“For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.”
“Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.”
How to Study What the Bible Says About 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 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 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 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 speech needs to be applied more consistently. Write a specific, actionable step you can take this week.
Share what you have learned about 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 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 Speech?
You have studied 17 verses about speech. Now test your knowledge with chapter-by-chapter quizzes covering the books where these verses appear.