The way we speak has significant implications for our relationships and our witness. According to Proverbs, guarding our tongues is essential for a virtuous life, as those who control their speech preserve their lives. The New Testament emphasizes the importance of edifying speech, as seen in Ephesians, where believers are encouraged to use words that build others up. James and Colossians also offer guidance on speaking, urging patience and seasoning conversations with grace, while Ephesians warns against obscenity and foolish talk.
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He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.
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.
My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving.
For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.
The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil.
Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue.
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!