A simple sentence, thoughtless or meditated, can bring tears of pain or tears of joy… this we have all experienced from every side. We have been the speaker who brings joy, the receiver who is encouraged; the speaker who inflicts pain, the receiver who cries. Here are some of my favorite Bible verses about the power of words.

Proverbs 18:21 

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

Matthew 15:18  

But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person.

Proverbs 12:18  

There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

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.

Matthew 12:36  

I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak.

Proverbs 16:24  

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

Proverbs 13:3  

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

 Matthew 12:37  

For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.

Proverbs 21:23  

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

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.

James 3:1-12  

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 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! …

Proverbs 17:28  

Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.

Luke 6:45  

The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

Proverbs 27:2  

Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.

Proverbs 10:19  

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

Proverbs 18:13  

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