The Scriptures have much to say about the power of our words.  The book of Proverbs specifically.  Below is a list of several proverbs (not an exhaustive list) that we’d be wise to seek to live by.  May the Lord enable us to use our words to bring a blessing, not a curse (James 3:9-10).  May our speech reveal the work the Lord has and is doing in our own hearts.

 

Proverbs 10:19 

When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.

 

Proverbs 11:12 

Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent.

 

Proverbs 12:13

An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, but the righteous escapes from trouble.

 

Proverbs 12:18-19

There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

 

Proverbs 13:3 

Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.

 

Proverbs 15:1-2

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.  The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.

 

Proverbs 15:4 

A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

 

Proverbs 15:23 

To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!

 

Proverbs 15:28

The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.

 

Proverbs 16:24 

Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

 

Proverbs 17:9 

Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.

 

Proverbs 17:27-28

Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.

 

Proverbs 18:6-7

A fool’s lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating. A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.

 

Proverbs 18:13 

If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.

 

Proverbs 18:21a

Death and life are in the power of the tongue

 

Proverbs 21:23 

Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.

 

Proverbs 25:11 

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.

 

Proverbs 26:20

For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.

 

Proverbs 29:20 

Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

 

Proverbs 30:5 

Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

 

Proverbs 31:26

She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

 

*All Scriptures quoted from the ESV.