The power of words is a significant theme in Scripture, with many passages warning about the potential for harm or good that comes from the tongue. According to Proverbs, the tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. James 1:26 and James 3:8 emphasize the importance of controlling the tongue, as it can be a source of great evil. Additionally, Proverbs 12:18 and 1 Peter 3:10 encourage believers to use their words wisely, speaking gently and kindly to others. By doing so, they can bring healing and blessing to those around them.
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Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.
Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.
Let 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.
The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body. When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal. Consider ships as well. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot is inclined. In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but 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. Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be! Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree grow olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness.
In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze.
He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.