Be Careful What Comes out Of Your Mouth Bible Verse

Our words hold great power. They have the ability to build up or tear down, to encourage or discourage, to bring joy or sorrow. The Bible offers wisdom and guidance on this matter, urging us to be careful with what comes out of our mouths. Let’s explore some relevant verses that emphasize the importance of our speech.

Matthew 15:18

But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them.

NIV

Bible Verses on Guarding Our Words

Proverbs 18:21

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”

• Our words have the power to bring either life or death.
• What we speak has consequences, affecting ourselves and those around us.
• The fruits we reap are determined by the way we use our words.

Ephesians 4:29

• “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
• We should avoid speaking words that are corrupt or damaging.
• Instead, our speech should be focused on building others up.
• We should consider the timing and appropriateness of our words.
• Speaking with grace can have a positive impact on those who listen.

Matthew 12:36-37

• “I tell you, on the day of judgment, people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words, you will be condemned.”
• We will be held accountable for the words we speak.
• Our careless words may have consequences beyond our immediate understanding.
• Our words reflect our character and can bring either justification or condemnation.

Practical Application

Choose Your Words Wisely

• Before speaking, consider the potential impact of your words.
• Think about whether they will build up or tear down.
• Strive to choose words that bring life and encouragement.

Practice Self-Control

• Avoid speaking in moments of anger or frustration.
• Take a moment to calm down and collect your thoughts.
• Respond instead of reacting, choosing words carefully.

Seek Wisdom and Guidance

• Study the Bible for further guidance on wholesome speech.
• Surround yourself with people who speak with wisdom.
• Seek counsel from those who can offer guidance on the power of words.

The Consequences of Unwholesome Speech

Proverbs 12:18

• “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
• Words spoken without thought can be hurtful and cause harm.
• Wise and carefully chosen words, on the other hand, can bring healing.

James 3:5-6

• “So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.”
• Our tongue, though small, has the potential to cause significant damage.
• Unwholesome speech can ignite conflicts and have far-reaching consequences.
• It is crucial to control our tongues to prevent unnecessary harm.

The Power of Positive Speech

Proverbs 15:4

• “A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.”
• Speaking with gentleness and kindness can bring life and refreshment.
• Harsh and negative words, on the other hand, can crush the spirit.

Colossians 4:6

• “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”
• Our speech should be characterized by grace and kindness.
• Our words should be seasoned with wisdom, bringing a positive impact to each individual we interact with.

The Importance of Accountability

Proverbs 27:17

• “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”
• Surrounding ourselves with individuals who hold us accountable can help refine our speech.
• Seeking constructive feedback from others can aid in our growth and improvement.

James 1:19

• “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.”
• Actively listening and being slow to speak allows us to respond thoughtfully.
• This approach helps us avoid hasty and potentially harmful words.

Our words have a profound impact on others and ourselves. Being mindful of what comes out of our mouths is crucial, as we hold the power to bring life or death through our speech. By understanding the consequences of unwholesome speech, embracing the power of positive communication, and seeking accountability, we can become more intentional in our choice of words.

Words Have Long-lasting Effects

Proverbs 15:1

• “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
• The way we respond can defuse tense situations or escalate them.
• Choosing a gentle and kind response can prevent unnecessary conflict.

Proverbs 12:25

• “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.”
• Encouraging words have the power to uplift and bring joy to others.
• They can help alleviate burdens and bring comfort to those who are struggling.

Honoring God with Our Speech

Psalm 19:14

• “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”
• Our speech should align with the values and principles set by God.
• We should strive to speak words that are pleasing and honorable to Him.

1 Peter 3:10

• “For whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit.”
• Guarding our tongues against evil and deceitful speech leads to a more fulfilling and righteous life.
• Our words should reflect truth and integrity.

Repentance and Restoration

Psalm 141:3

• “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!”
• Recognizing the need for God’s help, we can seek His guidance in controlling our speech.
• We can ask Him to guard our mouths and lead us in speaking words that bring honor to Him.

James 5:16

• “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
• When we stumble and speak unwholesome words, it is essential to seek forgiveness and restoration.
• Confessing our mistakes and seeking prayerful support from others can lead to healing and growth.

Walking in Love and Grace

Ephesians 4:32

• “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
• Demonstrating kindness, compassion, and forgiveness in our speech reflects the love and grace shown to us by God.
• Our words should be filled with understanding and empathy.

Proverbs 16:24

• “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”
• Speaking with grace and kindness brings nourishment and refreshment to others.
• Our words can have a positive impact on both the emotional and physical well-being of those around us.

The Bible emphasizes the significance of our words and encourages us to be mindful of what comes out of our mouths. By recognizing the long-lasting effects of our speech, honoring God with our words, seeking repentance and restoration when needed, and walking in love and grace, we can cultivate a speech that uplifts, encourages, and reflects the character of Christ.

The Influence of Negative Words

Proverbs 18:8

• “The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.”
• Negative words spoken in secret can be enticing and captivating.
• Gossip and slander have the potential to harm relationships and sow seeds of discord.

Proverbs 15:28

• “The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.”
• The words we speak reflect the condition of our hearts.
• Righteous individuals carefully consider their responses, while the wicked speak evil without restraint.

Building Bridges Through Communication

Colossians 3:8

• “But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.”
• Negative speech, such as anger, malice, and slander, hinders healthy communication.
• By removing these destructive elements from our speech, we can foster understanding and connection.

Proverbs 15:23

• “To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!”
• Choosing the right words at the right time brings joy and strengthens relationships.
• Thoughtful and timely communication can bring comfort, encouragement, and resolution.

The Example of Jesus

1 Peter 2:22

• “He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.”
• Jesus, the perfect example, never spoke deceitful or unwholesome words.
• Following His example, we should strive for integrity and truthfulness in our speech.

Luke 4:22

• “And all spoke well of him and marveled at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth.”
• Jesus’ words were filled with grace, leaving a lasting impression on those who heard Him.
• As His followers, we should seek to emulate His gracious and impactful communication.

The Power of Encouragement

Hebrews 3:13

• “But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today,’ that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”
• Encouragement plays a vital role in combating the hardness of hearts caused by sin.
• Regularly uplifting and exhorting one another strengthens faith and fosters a positive environment.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

• “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
• Encouragement is not a one-time act but an ongoing practice.
• We should strive to build up and inspire others through our words consistently.

The influence of negative speech, the importance of building bridges through communication, and the example of Jesus all remind us of the significance of our words. Additionally, recognizing the power of encouragement and its ability to uplift and strengthen others is crucial. By cultivating positive and edifying speech, we can reflect the character of Christ and make a positive impact on those around us.

The Importance of Active Listening

James 1:19-20

• “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
• Active listening involves being fully present and engaged in a conversation.
• By attentively listening, we can understand others better and respond in a more thoughtful manner.

Proverbs 21:23

• “Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.”
• By practicing self-control and refraining from hasty responses, we can avoid unnecessary conflicts and misunderstandings.
• Choosing silence when necessary can prevent further harm and promote peace.

Accountability in Speech

Proverbs 27:6

• “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.”
• Surrounding ourselves with honest and trustworthy individuals allows us to receive constructive feedback on our speech.
• Friends who hold us accountable help us grow and improve in our communication.

Ephesians 4:25

• “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.”
• Accountability in speech involves speaking the truth with integrity and honesty.
• By practicing transparency and avoiding deceit, we foster trust and build stronger relationships.

The Impact of Online Communication

Proverbs 12:18

• “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
• Online communication has the potential to be swift and impulsive.
• We should exercise caution and wisdom, choosing our words carefully to avoid causing harm or perpetuating negativity.

Proverbs 15:1

• “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
• Engaging in respectful and empathetic communication online can defuse tense situations and promote understanding.
• Responding with kindness and patience can have a positive impact on the online community.

The Power of Apology and Forgiveness

Matthew 5:23-24

• “So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First, be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”
• When our words have caused harm or offense, it is crucial to seek reconciliation and make amends.
• Apologizing and seeking forgiveness demonstrate humility and a genuine desire for restoration.

Colossians 3:13

• “Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”
• Forgiveness is an essential aspect of healthy communication and relationships.
• Just as God has forgiven us, we should extend forgiveness to others, allowing for healing and growth.

Being careful with our words goes beyond face-to-face interactions; it encompasses both offline and online communication. Importance of active listening, accountability in speech, and recognizing the impact of online communication are crucial in our digital age. Moreover, understanding the power of apology and forgiveness allows for healing and restoration in our relationships. By applying these principles to our daily interactions, both in-person and online, we can cultivate a culture of respect, empathy, and understanding.

The Importance of Positive Self-talk

Proverbs 18:21

• “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”
• The words we speak to ourselves have a profound impact on our self-perception and well-being.
• Engaging in positive self-talk can boost confidence, resilience, and overall mental health.

Psalm 139:14

• “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”
• Embracing the truth of our inherent value and worth as God’s creation helps cultivate a positive self-image.
• Speaking affirming words to ourselves reinforces a healthy and confident mindset.

Speaking with Wisdom and Knowledge

Proverbs 10:19

• “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.”
• Exercising restraint and thoughtfulness in our speech demonstrates wisdom and discretion.
• Speaking fewer words but with greater impact allows for more intentional and meaningful communication.

Proverbs 15:2

• “The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.”
• Wise individuals use their words to impart knowledge and understanding.
• By seeking wisdom and continuously expanding our knowledge, we can contribute positively to conversations.

Setting Boundaries in Communication

Proverbs 25:28

• “A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.”
• Establishing healthy boundaries in our communication protects our emotional well-being and promotes respect.
• Setting limits on what we share and how we engage in conversations helps maintain healthy relationships.

Proverbs 4:23

• “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”
• Guarding our hearts and being discerning in our interactions helps us maintain authenticity and integrity in our communication.
• Protecting ourselves from harmful influences allows for more genuine and fruitful connections.

The Power of Prayer

Psalm 141:3

• “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!”
• Seeking God’s guidance and surrendering our speech to Him helps us align our words with His will.
• Praying for wisdom, self-control, and the ability to speak life-giving words allows for spiritual growth and transformation.

James 3:8-10

• “But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it, we bless our Lord and Father, and with it, we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.”
• Acknowledging our inability to control our tongues completely humbles us and highlights our need for God’s intervention.
• Through prayer, we seek His help in guarding our words and using them to bring blessings rather than harm.

Conclusion

Embracing positive self-talk, speaking with wisdom and knowledge, setting boundaries, and seeking God’s guidance through prayer all contribute to cultivating healthy and impactful speech. By incorporating these practices into our daily lives, we can experience personal growth, foster meaningful connections, and glorify God through our words.