““How long will you speak these things? Shall the words of your mouth be a mighty wind?”
— Job 8:2 WEB
Explore the power of words in the Bible. Discover verses that guide how we speak, and learn practical ways to use words wisely and kindly.
Verses sourced from the World English Bible (public domain). Selection follows our editorial policy. Last reviewed 2026-04-23. See all sources.
Words hold significant power in the Bible, as seen in Proverbs 18:21, which states that they can bring life or death. Scripture encourages speaking with wisdom and kindness, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful communication. Believers are called to use their words to uplift, encourage, and promote understanding among others.
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue; those who love it will eat its fruit.”
Words shape our lives. They build bridges and walls. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us of their power: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” This verse speaks to the impact our words can have, both positive and negative. Words can heal wounds or deepen them. They can spark joy or sow discord. Each word you speak carries weight, affecting not only those around you but also your own heart.
The Bible offers wisdom on how to use words wisely. In Job 8:2, we read about words that are like a “mighty wind,” empty and destructive. Job 15:5 warns against allowing iniquity to teach our mouths, while Psalm 12:4 questions the arrogance of claiming control over our speech. Psalm 34:13 advises us to “keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking lies.” Together, these verses encourage mindful speech. They remind us that words can align with truth and goodness or stray into harmful territory. Our challenge is to use words as tools for good.
““How long will you speak these things? Shall the words of your mouth be a mighty wind?”
— Job 8:2 WEB
“For your iniquity teaches your mouth, and you choose the language of the crafty.”
— Job 15:5 WEB
“That you turn your spirit against God, and let such words go out of your mouth?”
— Job 15:13 WEB
“who have said, “With our tongue we will prevail. Our lips are our own. Who is lord over us?””
— Psalms 12:4 WEB
“Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking lies.”
— Psalms 34:13 WEB
“My tongue shall talk about your righteousness and about your praise all day long.”
— Psalms 35:28 WEB
“The mouth of the righteous talks of wisdom. His tongue speaks justice.”
— Psalms 37:30 WEB
“I said, “I will watch my ways, so that I don’t sin with my tongue. I will keep my mouth with a bridle while the wicked is before me.””
— Psalms 39:1 WEB
“My mouth will speak words of wisdom. My heart shall utter understanding.”
— Psalms 49:3 WEB
““You give your mouth to evil. Your tongue frames deceit.”
— Psalms 50:19 WEB
“For the sin of their mouth, and the words of their lips, let them be caught in their pride, for the curses and lies which they utter.”
— Psalms 59:12 WEB
“who sharpen their tongue like a sword, and aim their arrows, deadly words,”
— Psalms 64:3 WEB
“Set a watch, Yahweh, before my mouth. Keep the door of my lips.”
— Psalms 141:3 WEB
“Get wisdom. Get understanding. Don’t forget, and don’t deviate from the words of my mouth.”
— Proverbs 4:5 WEB
“Hear, for I will speak excellent things. The opening of my lips is for right things.”
— Proverbs 8:6 WEB
“For my mouth speaks truth. Wickedness is an abomination to my lips.”
— Proverbs 8:7 WEB
“In the multitude of words there is no lack of disobedience, but he who restrains his lips does wisely.”
— Proverbs 10:19 WEB
“The tongue of the righteous is like choice silver. The heart of the wicked is of little worth.”
— Proverbs 10:20 WEB
“The mouth of the righteous produces wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off.”
— Proverbs 10:31 WEB
“A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but deceit in it crushes the spirit.”
— Proverbs 15:4 WEB
“Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.”
— Proverbs 16:24 WEB
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue; those who love it will eat its fruit.”
— Proverbs 18:21 WEB
“Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles.”
— Proverbs 21:23 WEB
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.”
— Proverbs 25:11 WEB
“A lying tongue hates those it hurts; and a flattering mouth works ruin.”
— Proverbs 26:28 WEB
“She opens her mouth with wisdom. Faithful instruction is on her tongue.”
— Proverbs 31:26 WEB
“Don’t be rash with your mouth, and don’t let your heart be hasty to utter anything before God; for God is in heaven, and you on earth. Therefore let your words be few.”
“The Preacher sought to find out acceptable words, and that which was written blamelessly, words of truth.”
“The words of the wise are like goads; and like nails well fastened are words from the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.”
“For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity. Your lips have spoken lies. Your tongue mutters wickedness.”
— Isaiah 59:3 WEB
“Then Yahweh stretched out his hand, and touched my mouth. Then Yahweh said to me, “Behold, I have put my words in your mouth.”
— Jeremiah 1:9 WEB
“Their tongue is a deadly arrow. It speaks deceit. One speaks peaceably to his neighbor with his mouth, but in his heart, he waits to ambush him.”
— Jeremiah 9:8 WEB
““Your words have been stout against me,” says Yahweh. “Yet you say, ‘What have we spoken against you?’”
— Malachi 3:13 WEB
“You offspring of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.”
— Matthew 12:34 WEB
“For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.””
— Matthew 12:37 WEB
“For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual sins, thefts, false testimony, and blasphemies.”
— Matthew 15:19 WEB
“covetings, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, and foolishness.”
— Mark 7:22 WEB
“You know the commandments: ‘Don’t commit adultery,’ ‘Don’t murder,’ ‘Don’t steal,’ ‘Don’t give false testimony,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’”Exodus 20:12-16; Deuteronomy 5:16-20”
— Luke 18:20 WEB
““Go stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.””
— Acts 5:20 WEB
““Their throat is an open tomb. With their tongues they have used deceit.”Psalm 5:9 “The poison of vipers is under their lips”;Psalm 140:3”
— Romans 3:13 WEB
““whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.”Psalm 10:7”
— Romans 3:14 WEB
“But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth, and in your heart”;Deuteronomy 30:14 that is, the word of faith, which we preach:”
— Romans 10:8 WEB
“Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but only what is good for building others up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
— Ephesians 4:29 WEB
“but now you also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and shameful speaking out of your mouth.”
— Colossians 3:8 WEB
“Remind them of these things, charging them in the sight of the Lord, that they don’t argue about words, to no profit, to the subverting of those who hear.”
— 2 Timothy 2:14 WEB
“For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
— Hebrews 4:12 WEB
“So the tongue is also a little member, and boasts great things. See how a small fire can spread to a large forest!”
— James 3:5 WEB
“And the tongue is a fire. The world of iniquity among our members is the tongue, which defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature, and is set on fire by Gehenna.or, Hell”
— James 3:6 WEB
“Out of the same mouth comes blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.”
— James 3:10 WEB
“For, “He who would love life, and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit.”
— 1 Peter 3:10 WEB
Reflect
Consider how your words influence others. Are they encouraging, or do they often cut or wound? Reflect on Proverbs 18:21 and think about the fruits your words produce.
Pray
Heavenly Father, guide my words today. Help me speak life, truth, and kindness. Let my tongue be an instrument of peace. Amen.
Apply
This week, choose one person to encourage daily with your words. Write a note, send a message, or speak directly to share appreciation or support.
The Bible highlights the power and responsibility of words. Proverbs 18:21 states, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue." Words can build up or destroy, heal or harm. Psalm 34:13 advises to "Keep your tongue from evil," emphasizing the importance of truth and kindness. Words should reflect love and wisdom, guided by faith.
Using words wisely involves speaking truthfully and kindly. James 1:19 advises, "Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger." Listen actively before responding. Proverbs 15:1 says, "A soft answer turns away wrath," encouraging calmness and gentleness. Thoughtful, considerate words foster peace and understanding. Seek guidance from scripture to align your speech with God's love.
Yes, words have the power to both hurt and heal. Proverbs 12:18 acknowledges, "There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Careless words can cause pain, while wise, encouraging words can bring comfort and healing. Choosing words carefully can lead to positive, nurturing interactions.
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