Bible Verses About the Tongue: 11 Helpful Scriptures

Written by Daniel Isaiah Joseph in Bible verses Last Updated July 27, 2023

Proverbs 18:21

ESVDeath and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
KJVDeath and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
NASBDeath and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.
NIVThe tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
NLTThe tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.

Proverbs 12:18

ESVThere is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
KJVThere is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
NASBThere is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, But the tongue of the wise brings healing.
NIVThe words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
NLTSome people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.

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Ephesians 4:29

ESVLet 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.
KJVLet 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.
NASBLet no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.
NIVDo not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
NLTDon’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

James 1:26

ESVIf anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.
KJVIf any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.
NASBIf anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless.
NIVThose who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.
NLTIf you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.

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Proverbs 15:1

ESVA soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
KJVA soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
NASBA gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.
NIVA gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
NLTA gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.

Proverbs 13:3

ESVWhoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.
KJVHe that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.
NASBThe one who guards his mouth preserves his life; The one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.
NIVThose who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.
NLTThose who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything.

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Proverbs 15:4

ESVA gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
KJVA wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
NASBA soothing tongue is a tree of life, But perversion in it crushes the spirit.
NIVThe soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.
NLTGentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

James 3:8

ESVBut no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
KJVBut the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
NASBBut no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison.
NIVbut no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
NLTbut no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison.

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Matthew 12:36

ESVI tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak,
KJVBut I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
NASB“But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment.
NIVBut I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.
NLTAnd I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak.

Proverbs 21:23

ESVWhoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.
KJVWhoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
NASBHe who guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles.
NIVThose who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.
NLTWatch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.

Proverbs 10:19

ESVWhen words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.
KJVIn the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
NASBWhen there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise.
NIVSin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.
NLTToo much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.

Psalm 141:3

ESVSet a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!
KJVSet a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.
NASBSet a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.
NIVSet a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.
NLTTake control of what I say, O LORD, and guard my lips.

Daniel Isaiah Joseph

Daniel's seminary degree is in Exegetical Theology. He was a pastor for 10 years. As a professor, he has taught Bible and theology courses at two Christian universities. Please see his About page for details.

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