Bible Verses About Guarding 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: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell."

"Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles."

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof."

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

"He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction."

"If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain."

"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."

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

"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 guarding your tongue?

James says the tongue is a small member but boasts great things — it can bless or curse, build up or destroy. The Bible has more to say about our words than almost any other topic, warning that the tongue can be a fire that sets the whole course of life ablaze. Key King James Version passages include James 3:5-6, Proverbs 21:23, Proverbs 18:21. This page collects 10 KJV verses about guarding your tongue, each quoted in full.

Why is guarding your tongue so important?

Proverbs 18:21 says 'Death and life are in the power of the tongue.' Our words can encourage or devastate, heal or wound, build trust or destroy it. James warns that an uncontrolled tongue can corrupt a person's entire life.

How can I control my tongue?

Scripture recommends praying for God's help (Psalm 141:3), thinking before speaking (Proverbs 15:28), listening more (James 1:19), and being filled with the Spirit, whose fruit includes self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).