Here are 100 Bible verses about power of the tongue, curated from both the Old and New Testaments of the Holy Bible, King James Version, arranged from most to least relevant.
Proverbs 18:21 KJV
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
1 Peter 3:10 KJV
10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Proverbs 15:1 KJV
1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Ephesians 4:29 KJV
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.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Psalm 141:3 KJV
3 Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Matthew 12:36-37 KJV
36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. 37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
James 1:26 KJV
26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse

Proverbs 12:18 KJV
18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
James 3:8 KJV
8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Proverbs 15:4 KJV
4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Proverbs 10:19 KJV
19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Proverbs 13:3 KJV
3 He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Psalm 19:14 KJV
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.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
James 3:6 KJV
6 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.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
James 1:19 KJV
19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Psalm 118:5 KJV
5 I called upon the Lord in distress: the Lord answered me, and set me in a large place.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Proverbs 15:28 KJV
28 The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Proverbs 21:23 KJV
23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
James 3:1-18 KJV
1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. 2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. 3 Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 4 Behold also the ships, which though …
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Matthew 12:36 KJV
36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Psalm 34:13 KJV
13 Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Philippians 2:14 KJV
14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse

Proverbs 15:2 KJV
2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Mark 11:23 KJV
23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse

Proverbs 25:15 KJV
15 By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse

Hebrews 4:12 KJV
12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse

Proverbs 17:27 KJV
27 He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
James 3:5-8 KJV
5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 6 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. 7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is …
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Matthew 15:18 KJV
18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Proverbs 11:9 KJV
9 An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Romans 10:9 KJV
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Matthew 12:37 KJV
37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Proverbs 18:7 KJV
7 A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Proverbs 16:24 KJV
24 Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Leviticus 19:16 KJV
16 Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour; I am the Lord.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Ephesians 5:4 KJV
4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Psalm 52:2 KJV
2 The tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Colossians 3:8 KJV
8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Ephesians 4:25 KJV
25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse

James 3:5 KJV
5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Proverbs 20:19 KJV
19 He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Colossians 4:6 KJV
6 Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Acts 2:38 KJV
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Acts 2:4 KJV
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
James 3:1-12 KJV
1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. 2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. 3 Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 4 Behold also the ships, which though …
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Proverbs 18:8 KJV
8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Proverbs 6:16-17 KJV
16 These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Proverbs 29:11 KJV
11 A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Proverbs 16:28 KJV
28 A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse

Psalm 57:4 KJV
4 My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Psalm 15:1-3 KJV
1 Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? 2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. 3 He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
1 John 1:9 KJV
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse

Luke 6:45 KJV
45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Proverbs 4:23 KJV
23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
1 Timothy 3:1-16 KJV
1 This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4 One that ruleth well his own house, …
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
James 3:2 KJV
2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Philippians 4:13 KJV
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse

John 8:44 KJV
44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Proverbs 17:9 KJV
9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Psalm 101:5 KJV
5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Proverbs 31:26 KJV
26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Proverbs 29:20 KJV
20 Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Proverbs 6:1-35 KJV
1 My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger, 2 Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth. 3 Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself, when thou art come into the hand of thy friend; go, humble thyself, and make sure thy friend. 4 Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to …
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Titus 3:2 KJV
2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Ecclesiastes 3:7 KJV
7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Proverbs 10:8 KJV
8 The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
James 3:9 KJV
9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Proverbs 17:14 KJV
14 The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Proverbs 21:19 KJV
19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
James 4:11 KJV
11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Proverbs 25:23 KJV
23 The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Proverbs 17:28 KJV
28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Proverbs 15:23 KJV
23 A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse

Psalm 39:1 KJV
1 I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
1 Corinthians 12:28 KJV
28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Proverbs 26:20 KJV
20 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Proverbs 25:11 KJV
11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Proverbs 6:17 KJV
17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Proverbs 6:2 KJV
2 Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
1 Corinthians 14:1-40 KJV
1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. 2 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. 3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. 4 He that speaketh in an unknown …
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Matthew 15:11 KJV
11 Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Proverbs 18:20-21 KJV
20 A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Proverbs 25:18 KJV
18 A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Proverbs 18:20 KJV
20 A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Proverbs 17:27-28 KJV
27 He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. 28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Proverbs 10:20 KJV
20 The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Proverbs 10:11 KJV
11 The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Mark 11:23-24 KJV
23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. 24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Proverbs 12:13-14 KJV
13 The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble. 14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man’s hands shall be rendered unto him.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Proverbs 11:13 KJV
13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse

Proverbs 18:4 KJV
4 The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Proverbs 12:6 KJV
6 The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
James 3:4 KJV
4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Romans 12:14 KJV
14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse

Isaiah 50:4 KJV
4 The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Proverbs 10:31 KJV
31 The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse

Psalm 12:3-4 KJV
3 The Lord shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things: 4 Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us?
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Revelation 1:1 KJV
1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Proverbs 28:23 KJV
23 He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
James 3:10 KJV
10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
Full Chapter | Parallel Translations | Explain Verse
Must-Read Christian Books
Pilgrim Theology
An accessible summary of Reformed theology that connects doctrine to the Christian life.
View on Amazon
The Reason for God
Thoughtful, biblical responses to common objections to Christianity, aimed at skeptics and believers alike.
View on Amazon
Future Grace
Argues that faith in God's future grace frees believers from the enslaving power of sin.
View on Amazon
Just Do Something
A wise, biblical approach to knowing God's will without paralysis or mysticism.
View on Amazon
The Gospel According to Jesus
Defends a biblical understanding of faith and repentance against easy-believism.
View on Amazon
A Body of Divinity
A warm, devotional exposition of the Westminster Shorter Catechism's doctrines.
View on Amazon
The Heidelberg Catechism
A beloved Reformation catechism that teaches comfort in Christ through a Q&A format.
View on Amazon
Christ-Centered Worship
Traces historic worship patterns and shows how to shape Christ-focused services today.
View on Amazon
Total Truth
Equips believers to see all of life through a biblical worldview and challenge secular thinking.
View on Amazon
Christ of the Covenants
Explains the biblical covenants and how they reveal Christ and God's plan of redemption.
View on Amazon
Reformed Dogmatics (Single Volume Abridgement)
A rich, Reformed systematic theology that is deeply biblical and Christ-centered.
View on Amazon
Religious Affections
Examines the nature of true spiritual experience and the marks of genuine conversion.
View on Amazon
The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment
Teaches believers how to distinguish truth from error using Scripture.
View on Amazon
Christian Mission in the Modern World
Clarifies key biblical concepts like evangelism, mission, and social action.
View on Amazon
The Hiding Place
The story of Corrie ten Boom's faith and forgiveness in the midst of Nazi persecution.
View on Amazon
Shepherding a Child's Heart
Biblical parenting that aims at a child's heart, not just outward behavior.
View on Amazon