Bible Verses About the Power of Words

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

"A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit."

"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."

"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."

"There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health."

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

"But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned."

"Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones."

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

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

What does the Bible say about power of words?

Words are among the most powerful forces on earth. The Bible says God spoke the universe into existence — and our words, too, carry creative and destructive power. Key King James Version passages include Proverbs 18:21, Proverbs 15:4, James 3:5-6. This page collects 10 KJV verses about power of words, each quoted in full.

Why are words so powerful according to the Bible?

God created the universe through spoken word (Genesis 1). Made in His image, our words carry real power — to bless or curse, to heal or wound, to build up or tear down (Proverbs 18:21). Jesus said we will give account for every idle word (Matthew 12:36).

How can I control my tongue?

Pray for self-control (Psalm 141:3), be slow to speak (James 1:19), think before responding (Proverbs 15:28), and fill your heart with God's Word — for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34).