Bible Verses About Taming the Tongue

"A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit."

Proverbs 15:4 ESV

"To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!"

Proverbs 15:23 ESV

"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."

Ephesians 4:29 ESV

"Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;"

James 1:19 ESV

"Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! ..."

James 3:1-18 ESV

"For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body."

James 3:2 ESV

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits."

Proverbs 18:21 ESV

"If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless."

James 1:26 ESV

"You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks."

Matthew 12:34 ESV

"[ Taming the Tongue ] Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly."

James 3:1 NIV