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Words

The Bible emphasizes the power and responsibility of our words, warning that they reveal our hearts and will be judged by God. We must speak wisely and carefully, guarding our tongues from idle, reckless, or destructive speech.

Overview

Scripture consistently teaches that words are powerful—they have the ability to build up or tear down, heal or wound. Our words reveal the condition of our hearts and demonstrate our spiritual maturity. God takes our speech seriously and will hold us accountable for every careless word we speak.

Key Scriptures

"Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a ruling rightly given" (Proverbs 25:11, ESV). "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matthew 12:34, ESV). "I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak" (Matthew 12:36, ESV). "In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise" (Proverbs 10:19, KJV).

Application

Pause before speaking to consider whether your words are truthful, necessary, and beneficial—remembering that you will answer to God for them.

Scripture References 22
Proverbs 6:2 Proverbs 25:11 Ecclesiastes 5:3 Ecclesiastes 10:12 Ecclesiastes 10:13 Ecclesiastes 10:14 Proverbs 29:20 Matthew 12:36 Matthew 12:37 Proverbs 10:19 Psalms 55:21 James 3:2 Proverbs 18:8 1 Corinthians 14:9 1 Corinthians 14:19 Romans 16:18 Psalms 19:14 Proverbs 15:23 Isaiah 50:4 2 Timothy 2:14 2 Corinthians 12:4 Job 38:2
Full Topical Reference List 22 total — Nave's Topical Bible

Deceitful, are a snare to him who utters them

Proverbs 6:2

Fitly spoken, like apples of gold in filigree of silver

Proverbs 25:11

Fool known by the multitude of

Ecclesiastes 5:3

Fool will swallow himself

Ecclesiastes 10:12 Ecclesiastes 10:13 Ecclesiastes 10:14

Hasty, folly of

Proverbs 29:20

Idle, account must be given for in the day of judgment

Matthew 12:36 Matthew 12:37

In a multitude of, is sin

Proverbs 10:19

Of the hypocrite, softer than oil

Psalms 55:21

Of the perfect man, gentle

James 3:2

Of the talebearer, wounds to the soul

Proverbs 18:8

Of the teacher, should be plain

1 Corinthians 14:9 1 Corinthians 14:19

Seditious, deceive the simple

Romans 16:18

Should be acceptable to God

Psalms 19:14

Spoken in season

Isaiah 50:4 Proverbs 15:23

Unprofitable words, to be avoided

2 Timothy 2:14

Unspeakable words, heard by Paul in paradise

2 Corinthians 12:4

Without knowledge, darken counsel

Job 38:2
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