Complete Bible Study Guide
What Does the Bible Say About Unkind Words?
15 Scripture references with full text and commentary
Understanding Unkind Words in the Bible
Explore what the Bible says about unkind words. This collection of 15 key Scripture passages reveals God's wisdom and guidance on this important theme.
Top 10 Verses About Unkind Words
- 1
- 2
- 3Proverbs 12:18
“There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.”
KJV - 4Proverbs 13:3
“He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.”
KJV - 5
- 6Proverbs 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 - 7Proverbs 15:28
“The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.”
KJV - 8Proverbs 18:21
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”
KJV - 9Matthew 12:35
“A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.”
KJV - 10Matthew 12:37
“For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.”
KJV
Old Testament: What Does the Bible Say About Unkind Words? (8 Verses)
“Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.”
“Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.”
“There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.”
“He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.”
“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”
“The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.”
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”
New Testament: What Does the Bible Say About Unkind Words? (7 Verses)
“A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.”
“For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.”
“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:”
“But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.”
“Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.”
How to Study What the Bible Says About Unkind 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 unkind 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 unkind 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 unkind 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 unkind words needs to be applied more consistently. Write a specific, actionable step you can take this week.
Share what you have learned about unkind 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 unkind 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 Unkind Words?
You have studied 15 verses about unkind words. Now test your knowledge with chapter-by-chapter quizzes covering the books where these verses appear.