Topical Bible

What Does the Bible Say About What We Speak?

Here are 7 Bible verses about what we speak, ordered by how relevant readers found them, with the King James Version and the modern Berean Standard Bible side by side.

  1. #1Proverbs 18:21

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

    BSBLife and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

  2. #2Matthew 12:37

    For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

    BSBFor by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

  3. #3Proverbs 13:3

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

    BSBHe who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.

  4. #4James 3:8-9

    But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.

    BSBbut no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness.

  5. #51 Corinthians 14:1-40

    Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? …

    BSBEarnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men, but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries in the Spirit. But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort. The one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. I wish that all of you could speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be edified. Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? …

  6. #6Psalms 19:14

    Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.

    BSBMay the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

  7. #7Ephesians 4:29

    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.

    BSBLet no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.

Verse rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY). Scripture: KJV & BSB (public domain).

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