Bible Verses About Controlling Your Tongue

"Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity."

"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."

"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying."

"Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips."

"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger."

"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath."

"Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man."

"In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise."

"But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment."

What does the Bible say about controlling your tongue?

James calls the tongue 'a fire, a world of iniquity' — a small member that can set an entire life ablaze. Words build or destroy, heal or wound, bless or curse. Key King James Version passages include James 3:5-6, Proverbs 18:21, Proverbs 21:23. This page collects 10 KJV verses about controlling your tongue, each quoted in full.

Why is controlling the tongue so important in the Bible?

James 3 says the tongue can defile the whole body and set the course of life on fire. Proverbs 18:21 says death and life are in its power. Words carry spiritual weight and eternal consequence.

How can I control my tongue according to the Bible?

Pray Psalm 141:3 ('Set a watch before my mouth'). Practice being 'slow to speak' (James 1:19). Fill your heart with God's Word, since Jesus said the mouth speaks from the heart's overflow (Matthew 12:34).