A Select Anthology of Scripture Passages on the Tongue

¹ Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Indeed, has God said, ‘You shall not eat from any tree of the garden’?”… ⁴ And the serpent said to the woman, “You surely shall not die! ⁵ “For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”… ¹³ The Lord said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” And the woman said, “The serpent deceived me and I ate.”

Genesis 3:1,4,5,13

⁷ “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain… ¹⁶ “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour.”

Exodus 20:7,16

¹⁶ You shall not go about as a slander among your people, and you are not to act against the life of your neighbour; I am the Lord.

Leviticus 19:16

²⁷ “How long shall I bear with this evil congregation who are grumbling against me? I have heard the complaints of the sons of Israel, which they are making against me.

Numbers 14:27

⁷ Now it came about at the end of forty years that Absalom said to the king, “Please let me go and pay my vow which I have vowed to the Lord, in Hebron. ⁸ “For your servant vowed a vow while I was living at Geshur in Aram, saying, ‘If the Lord shall indeed bring me back to Jerusalem, then I will serve the Lord.’” ⁹ And the king said to him, “Go in peace.” So he arose and went to Hebron. ¹⁰ But Absalom sent spies throughout the tribes of Israel, saying, “As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpet, then you shall say, ‘Absalom is king in Hebron.’”

2 Samuel 15:7-10

⁹ And Joab said to Amasa, “Is it well with you, my brother?” And Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him. ¹⁰ But Amasa was not on guard against the sword that was in Joab’s hand so he struck him in the belly with it and poured out his inward parts on the ground, and did not strike him again; and he died.

2 Samuel 20:9,10

¹³ Then they sat down on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights with no one speaking a word to him, for they saw that his pain was very great.

Job 2:13

¹⁴ “For the despairing man there should be kindness from his friend; lest he forsake the fear of the Almighty.”

Job 6:14

³ “But I would speak with the Almighty, and I would desire to argue with God. ⁴ “But you smear with lies; you are all worthless physicians. ⁵ “O that you would be completely silent, and that it would become your wisdom! ⁶ “Please hear my argument, and listen to the contentions of my lips. ⁷ “Will you speak what is unjust for God, and speak what is deceitful for him? ⁸ “Will you show partiality for him? Will you contend for God? ⁹ “Will it be well when he examines you? Or will you deceive him as one deceives a man? ¹⁰ “He will surely reprove you, if you secretly show partiality. ¹¹ “Will not his majesty terrify you, and the dread of him fall on you? ¹² “You memorable sayings are proverbs of ashes, your defences are defences of clay.”

Job 13:3-12

¹ How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the place of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers.

Psalm 1:1

³ For the wicked boasts of his desire, and the greedy man curses and spurns the Lord… ⁷ His mouth is full of curses and deceit and oppression; under his tongue is mischief and deceit.

Psalm 10:3,7

² They speak falsehood to one another; with flattering lips and with a double heart they speak. ³ May the Lord cut off all flattering lips, the tongue that speaks great things; ⁴ who have said, "With our tongue we will prevail; our lips are our own; who is lord over us?"

Psalm 12:2-4

¹ O Lord, who may abide in thy tent? Who may dwell on thy holy hill? ² He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness, and speaks truth in his heart. ³ He does not slander with his tongue, nor does evil to his neighbour, nor takes up a reproach against his friend; ⁴ in whose eyes a reprobate is despised, but who honours those who fear the Lord; he swears to his own hurt, and does not change; ⁵ he does not put out his own money at interest, nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.

Psalm 15

¹³ Also keep thy servant from presumptuous sins; let them not rule over me; than I shall be blameless, and I shall be acquitted of great transgression. ¹⁴ Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Psalm 19:13,14

⁴ Sing praise to the Lord, you his godly ones, and give thanks to his holy name... ⁶ Now as for me, I said in my prosperity, “I will never be moved.” ⁷ O Lord, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain strong; thou didst hide thy face, I was dismayed. ⁸ To thee, O Lord I called, and to the Lord I made supplications.

Psalm 30:4,6,7

¹ I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. ² My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; the humble shall hear it and rejoice. ³ O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.

Psalm 34:1-3

¹ I said, "I will guard my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth as with a muzzle, while the wicked are in my presence." ² I was dumb and silent, I refrained[1] even from good; and my sorrow[2] grew worse, ³ my heart was hot within me; while I was musing the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue: ⁴ "Lord, make me to know my end, and what is the extent of my days, let me know how transient I am."

Psalm 39:1-4

⁸ In God we have boasted all day long, and we will give thanks to thy name forever.

Psalm 44:8

¹⁹ “You let your mouth loose in evil, and your tongue frames deceit. ²⁰ “You sit and speak against your brother; you slander your own mother’s son.”

Psalm 50:19,20

¹ Why do you boast of evil, O mighty man? The lovingkindness of God endures all day long. ² Your tongue devises destruction, like a sharp razor, O worker of deceit. ³ You love evil more than good, falsehood more than speaking what is right. [Selah] ⁴ You love all words that devour, O deceitful tongue. ⁵ But God will break you down forever; he will snatch you up, and tear you away from your tent, and uproot you from the land of the living. [Selah]

Psalm 52:1-5

⁴ My soul is among lions; I must lie among those who breathe forth fire, even sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.

Psalm 57:4

²⁶ For they have persecuted him whom thou thyself hast smitten, and they tell of the pain of those whom thou hast wounded. ²⁷ Do thou add iniquity to their iniquity, and may they not come in to thy righteousness.

Psalm 69:26,27

¹ O come, let us sing to the Lord; let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation. ² Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving; let us shout joyfully to him with psalms. ³ For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods… ⁶ Come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. ⁷ For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.

Psalm 95:1-3,6,7

⁵ Whoever secretly slanders his neighbour, him will I destroy; no one who has a haughty look and an arrogant heart will endure.

Psalm 101:5

²⁴ Then they despised the pleasant land; they did not believe in his word, ²⁵ but grumbled in their tents; they did not listen to the voice of the Lord. ²⁶ Therefore he swore to them, that he would cast them down in the wilderness, 27 and that he would cast their seed among the nations, and scatter them in the lands... ³² They also provoked him to wrath at the waters of Meribah, so that it went hard on Moses on their account; ³³ because they were rebellious against his spirit, he spoke rashly with his lips.

Psalm 106:24-27,32,33

⁷ Return to your rest, O my soul, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you. ⁸ For thou hast rescued my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling. ⁹ I shall walk before the Lord in the land of the living. ¹⁰ I believed when I said, "I am greatly afflicted." ¹¹ I said in my alarm, "All men are liars."

Psalm 116:7-11

³ Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.

Psalm 141:3

⁸ Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and do not forsake your mother’s teaching… ²² “How long, O naive ones, will you love simplicity? And scoffers delight themselves in scoffing, and fools hate knowledge? ²³ Turn to my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you. ²⁴ Because I called, and you refused; I stretched out my hand, and no one paid attention; ²⁵ and you neglected all my counsel, and did not want my reproof…”

Proverbs 1:8,23-25

³ For of you cry for discernment, lift your voice for understanding; ⁴ if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; ⁵ Then you will discern the fear of the Lord, and discover the knowledge of God. ⁶ For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Proverbs 2:3-6

²⁸ Do not say to your neighbour, “Go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it.… ³⁰ Do not contend with a man without cause, if he has done you no harm.

Proverbs 3:28,30

²⁴ Put away from you a deceitful mouth, and put devious lips far from you.

Proverbs 4:24

¹ My son, give attention to my wisdom, incline your ear to my understanding; ² that you may observe discretion, and your lips may reserve knowledge. ³ For the lips of an adulteress drip honey, and smoother than oil is her speech. ⁴ But in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword, ⁵ her feet go down to death, her steps lay hold of Sheol.

Proverbs 5:1-5

¹² A worthless person, a wicked man, is the one who walks with a false mouth, ¹³ who winks with his eyes, who signals with his feet, who points with his fingers; ¹⁴ who with perversity in his heart devises evil continually, who spreads strife. ¹⁵ Therefore his calamity will come suddenly; instantly he will be broken, and there will be no healing. ¹⁶ There are six things which the Lord hates, yes, seven which are an abomination to him: ¹⁷ haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, ¹⁸ a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that run rapidly to evil, ¹⁹ a false witness who utters lies, and one who spreads strife among brothers… ²⁴ To keep you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the adulteress.

Proverbs 6:12-19,24

⁶ Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence… ⁸ The wise of heart will receive commands, but a babbling fool will be thrown down… ¹⁰ He who winks the eye causes trouble, and a babbling fool will be thrown down. ¹¹ The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. ¹² Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all transgressions. ¹³ On the lips of the discerning, wisdom is found, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks understanding. ¹⁴ Wise men store up knowledge, but with the mouth of the foolish, ruin is at hand. ¹⁷ He is on the path of life who heeds instruction, but he who forsakes reproof goes astray. ¹⁸ He who conceals hatred has lying lips, and he who spreads slander is a fool. ¹⁹ When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise. ²⁰ The tongue of the righteous is as choice silver, the heart of the wicked is worth little. ²¹ The lips of a righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of understanding… ³¹ The mouth of the righteous flows with wisdom, but the perverted tongue will be cut out. ³² The lips of the righteous bring forth what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked, what is perverted.

Proverbs 10:6,8,10-14,17-21,31,32

⁹ With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbour, but through knowledge the righteous will be delivered. ¹⁰ When it goes well with the righteous the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish, there is glad shouting. ¹¹ By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down. ¹² He who despises his neighbour lacks sense, but a man of understanding keeps silent. ¹³ He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy conceals a matter… ³⁰ The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who is wise wins souls.

Proverbs 11:9–13, 30

¹ Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid… ⁴ An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who shames him is as rottenness in his bone… ⁶ The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the mouth of the righteous will deliver them… ⁸ A man will be praised according to his insight, but one of perverse mind will be despised… ¹³ An evil man will be ensnared by the transgression of his lips, but the righteous will escape from trouble. ¹⁴ A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his words, and the deeds of a man’s hands will return to him. ¹⁵ The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man is he who listens to counsel. ¹⁶ A fool’s vexation is known at once, but a prudent man conceals dishonour. ¹⁷ He who speaks truth tells what is right, but a false witness, deceit. ¹⁸ There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. ¹⁹ Truthful lips will be established forever, but a lying tongue is only for a moment. ²⁰ Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but counsellors of peace have joy… ²² Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal faithfully are his delight. ²³ A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims folly… ²⁵ Anxiety in the heart of a man weighs it down, but a good word makes it glad. ²⁶ The righteous is a guide to his neighbour, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

Proverbs 12:1,4,6,8,13-20,22,23,25,26

¹ A wise son accepts his father’s discipline, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke. ² From the fruit of a man’s mouth he enjoys good, but the desire of the treacherous is violence. ³ The one who guards his mouth preserves life; the one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin… ⁵ A righteous man hates falsehood, but a wicked man acts disgustingly and shamefully… ¹⁰ Through presumption comes nothing but strife, but with those who receive counsel is wisdom… ¹⁸ Poverty and shame will come to him who neglects discipline, but he who regards reproof will be honoured.

Proverbs 13:1-3,5,10,18

³ In the mouth of the foolish is a rod for his back, but the lips of the wise will preserve them… ⁵ A faithful witness will not lie, but a false witness speaks lies. ⁶ A scoffer seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge is easy to him who has understanding. ⁷ Leave the presence of a fool, or you will not discern words of knowledge… ⁹ Fools mock at sin, but among the upright there is good will… ¹⁵ The naïve believes everything, but the prudent man considers his steps… ²³ In all labour there is profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty… ²⁵ A truthful witness saves lives, but he who speaks lies is treacherous… ²⁹ He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who is quick-tempered exalts folly.

Proverbs 14: 3, 5-7, 9,15,23,25,29

¹ A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. ² The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable, but the mouth of fools sprouts folly… ⁴ A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but perversion in it crushes the spirit. ⁵ A fool rejects his father’s discipline, but he who regards reproof is prudent… ⁷ The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but the hearts of fools are not so. ⁸ The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is his delight… ¹⁰ Stern discipline is for him who forsakes the way; he who hates reproof will die… ¹² A scoffer does not love one who reproves him, he will not go to the wise… ²² Without consultation, plans are frustrated, but with many counsellors they succeed. ²³ A man has joy in an apt answer, and how delightful a timely word!… ²⁶ Evil plans are an abomination to the Lord, but pleasant words are pure… ²⁸ The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things… ³⁰ Bright eyes gladden the heart; good news puts fat on the bones. ³¹ He whose ear listens to the life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. ³² He who neglects discipline despises himself, but he who listens to reproof acquires understanding.

Proverbs 15:1,2,4,5,7,8,10,12,22,23,26,28,30-32

¹³ Righteous lips are the delight of kings, and he who speaks right is loved… ²¹ The wise in heart will be called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness… ²³ The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds persuasiveness to his lips. ²⁴ Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones… ²⁷ A worthless man digs up evil, while his words are as a scorching fire. ²⁸ A perverse man spreads strife, and a slanderer separates intimate brethren.

Proverbs 16:13,21,23,24,27,28

⁴ An evildoer listens to wicked lips, a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue. ⁵ He who mocks the poor reproaches his Maker; he who rejoices at calamity will not go unpunished… ⁷ Excellent speech is not fitting for a fool; much less are lying lips to a prince… ⁹ He who covers a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates intimate friends. ¹⁰ A rebuke goes deeper into one who has understanding than a hundred blows into a fool… ¹⁴ The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so abandon the quarrel before it breaks out… ²⁷ He who restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is man of understanding. ²⁸ Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; when he closes his lips he is counted prudent.

Proverbs 17:4,5,7,9,10,14,27,28

¹ He who separates himself seeks his own desire, he quarrels against all sound wisdom. ² A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in revealing his own mind. ³ When a wicked man comes, contempt also comes, and with dishonour comes reproach. ⁴ The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook… ⁶ A fool’s lips bring strife, and his mouth calls for blows. ⁷ A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are the snare of his soul. ⁸ The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts of the body… ¹² Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, but humility goes before honour. ¹³ He who gives an answer before he hears, it is folly and shame to him… ¹⁵ The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge… ¹⁹ A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city, and contentions are like the bars of a castle. ²⁰ With the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach will be satisfied; he will be satisfied with the product of his lips. ²¹ Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit… ²³ The poor man utters supplications, but the rich man answers roughly.

Proverbs 18:1-4,6-8,12,13,15,19-21,23

¹ Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than he who is perverse in speech and is a fool… ^5,9 A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who tells lies will not escape… ¹³ A foolish son is destruction to his father, and the contentions of a wife are a constant dripping… ²⁵ Strike a scoffer and the naïve may become shrewd, but reprove one who has understanding and he will gain knowledge… ²⁹ Judgements are prepared for scoffers, and blows for the back of fools.

Proverbs 19:1,5,9,13,25,29

³ Keeping away from strife is an honour to a man, but nay fool will quarrel… ¹⁹ He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, therefore do not associate with a gossip. ²⁰ He who curses his father or mother, his lamp will go out in time of darkness… ²² Do not say, “I will repay with evil”; wait for the Lord, and he will save you… ²⁵ It is a snare for a man to say rashly, “It is holy!” and after the vows to make inquiry… ³⁰ Stripes that wound scour away evil, and strokes reach the innermost parts.

Proverbs 20:3,19,20,22,25,30

⁶ The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapour the pursuit of death… ⁹ It is better to live in the corner of a roof, than in a house shared with a contentious woman… ¹¹ When the scoffer is punished, the naive becomes wise; but when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge… ¹³ He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will also cry himself and not be answered… ¹⁹ It is better to live in a desert land, than with a contentious and vexing woman… ²³ He who guards his mouth and his tongue, guards his soul from troubles. ²⁴ “Proud,” “Haughty,” “Scoffer,” are his names, who acts with insolent pride… ²⁸ A false witness will perish, but the man who listens to the truth will live forever.

Proverbs 21:6,9,11,13,19,23,24,28

¹⁰ Drive out the scoffer, and contention will go out, even strife and dishonour will cease. ¹¹ He who loves purity of heart and whose speech is gracious, the king of his friend. ¹² The eyes of the Lord preserve knowledge, but he overthrows the words of the treacherous man. ¹³ The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside; I shall be slain in the streets!” ¹⁴ The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit; he who is cursed of the Lord will fall into it… ¹⁷ Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, and apply your mind to knowledge; ¹⁸ for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, that they may be ready on yours lips.

Proverbs 22:10-14,17,18

⁹ Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words… ¹² Apply your heart to discipline, and your ears to knowledge… ¹⁵ My son, if your heart is wise, my own heart also will be glad; ¹⁶ and my inmost being will rejoice, when your lips speak what is right… ²² Listen to your father who begot you, and do not despise your mother when she is old.

Proverbs 23:9,12,15,16,22

¹ Do not be envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them; ² for their minds devise violence, and their lips talk of trouble… 6 For by wise guidance you will wage war, and in abundance of counsellors there is victory… ⁹ The devising of folly is sin, and the scoffer is an abomination to men… ¹¹ Deliver those who are being taken away to death, and those who are staggering to slaughter, O hold them back… ¹⁷ Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles; ¹⁸ lest the Lord see it and be displeased, and he tun away his anger from him… ²⁴ He who says to the wicked, “You are righteous,” peoples will curse him, nations will abhor him; ²⁵ but to those who rebuke the wicked will be delight, and a good blessing will come upon them. ²⁶ He kisses the lips who gives a right answer… ²⁸ Do not be a witness against your neighbour without cause, and do not deceive with your lips. ²⁹ Do not say, “Thus I shall do to him as he has done to me; I will render to the man according to his work.”

Proverbs 24:1,2,6,9,11,17,18,24-26,28,29

⁶ Do not claim honour in the presence of the king, and do not stand in the place of great men; ⁷ for it is better that it be said to you, “Come up here,” than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, whom your eyes have seen. ⁸ Do not go out hastily to argue your case; otherwise, what will you do in the end, when your neighbour puts you to shame? ⁹ Argue your case with your neighbour, and do not reveal the secret of another, ¹⁰ lest he who hears it reproach you, and the evil report about you not pass away. ¹¹ Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances. ¹² Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear. ¹³ Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who sent him, for he refreshes the soul of his masters. ¹⁴ Like clouds and winds without rain is a man who boasts falsely. ¹⁵ By forbearance a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue breaks the bone… ¹⁸ Like a club and a sword and a sharp arrow is a man who bears false witness against his neighbour… ²⁰ Like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar on soda, is he who sings songs to a troubled heart… ²³ The north wind brings rain, and a backbiting tongue, an angry countenance. ²⁴ It is better to live in the corner of a roof, than in a house shared with a contentious woman. ²⁵ Like cold water to a weary soul, so is good news from a distant land.

Proverbs 25:6-15,18,20,23-25

⁴ Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him. ⁵ Answer a fool as his folly deserves, lest he be wise in his own eyes. ⁶ He cuts off his own feet, and drinks violence, who sends a message by the hand of a fool. ⁷ Like the legs which hang from the lame, so is a proverb in the mouth of fools… ⁹ Like a thorn which falls into the hand of a drunkard, so is a proverb in the mouth of fools… ¹⁷ Like one who takes a dog by the ears is he who passes by and meddles with strife not belonging to him. ¹⁸ Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows and death, ¹⁹ so is the man who deceives his neighbour, and says, “Was I not joking?” ²⁰ For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, contention goes out. ²¹ Like charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife. ²² The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts of the body. ²³ Like an earthen vessel overlaid with dross are burning lips and a wicked heart. ²⁴ He who disguises it with his lips, but he lays up deceit in his heart. ²⁵ When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for there are seven abominations in his heart. ²⁶ Though his hatred covers itself with guile, his wickedness will be revealed before the assembly. ²⁷ He who digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone, it will come back on him. ²⁸ A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth works ruin.

Proverbs 26:4-6,7,9,17-28

¹ Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what another day may bring forth. ² Let another praise you and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips. ³ A stone is heavy and the sand is weighty, but the provocation of a fool is heavier than both of them… ⁵ Better is open rebuke than love that is concealed. ⁶ Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy… ⁹ Oil and perfume makes the heart glad, so a man’s counsel is sweet to his friend… ¹⁴ He who blesses his friend with a loud voice early in the morning, it will be reckoned a curse to him. ¹⁵ A constant dripping on a day of steady rain and a contentious woman are alike; ¹⁶ he who would restrain her restrains the wind, and grasps oil with his right hand. ¹⁷ Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another… ²¹ The crucible is for silver and the furnace for gold, and a man is tested by the praise accorded him.

Proverbs 27:1-3,5,6,9,14-17,21

⁴ Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law strive with them… ¹³ He who conceals his transgression will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion… ²³ He who rebukes a man will afterward find more favour than he who flatters with the tongue… ²⁵ An arrogant man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the Lord will prosper.

Proverbs 28:4,13,23,25

¹ A man who hardens his neck after much reproof will suddenly be broken beyond remedy… ⁵ A man who flatters his neighbour is spreading a net for his steps. ⁶ By transgression an evil man is ensnared, but the righteous sings and rejoices… ⁸ Scorners set a city aflame, but wise men turn away anger. ⁹ When a wise man has a controversy with a foolish man, the foolish man either rages or laughs, and there is no rest… ¹¹ A fool always loses his temper, but a wise man holds it back… ²⁰ Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him… ²² An angry man stirs up strife, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression… ²⁴ He who is a partner with a thief hates his own life; he hears the oath but tells nothing.

Proverbs 29:1,5,6,8,9,11,20,22,24

¹⁰ Do not slander a slave to his master, lest he curse you and you be found guilty… ³² If you have been foolish in exalting yourself or if you have plotted evil, put your hand on your mouth. ³³ For the churning of milk produces butter, and pressing the nose brings forth blood; so the churning of anger produces strife.

Proverbs 30:10,32,33

⁸ Open your mouth for the dumb, for the rights of all the unfortunate. ⁹ Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the afflicted and needy. ¹⁰ An excellent woman, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels… ²⁶ She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue… ²⁸ Her children rise up and bless her; her husband also, and he praises her, saying: ²⁹ “ Many daughters have done nobly, but you excel them all.”

Proverbs 31:8-10,26,28,29

² Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few. ³ For the dream comes through much effort, and voice of a fool through many words. ⁴ When you make a vow to God, do not be late in paying it, for he takes no delight in fools. Pay what you owe! ⁵ It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay. ⁶ Do not let your speech cause you to sin and do not say in the presence of the messenger of the God that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry on account of your voice and destroy the works of your hands? ⁷ For in many dreams and in many words is emptiness. Rather, fear God.

Ecclesiastes 5:2-7

Song of Solomon 4:11

¹ In the year of King Uzziah’s death, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of his robe filling the temple. ² Seraphim stood above him, each having six wings; with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. ³ And one called out to another and said, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of his glory.” ⁴ And the foundations of the thresholds trembled at the voice of him who called out, while the temple was filling with smoke. ⁵ Then I said, “Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.” ⁶ Then one of the seraphim flew to me, with a burning coal in his hand which he had taken from the altar with tongs. ⁷ And he touched my mouth with it and said, “Behold, this has touched your lips; and your iniquity is taken away, and your sin is forgiven.”

Isaiah 6:1-7

⁸ For he said, “Surely they are my people, sons who will not deal falsely,” so he became their saviour. ⁹ In all their afflictions he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them; in his love and in his mercy he redeemed them; and he lifted them and carried them all the days of old. ¹⁰ But they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit; therefore, he turned himself to become their enemy, he fought against them.

Isaiah 63:8-10

²¹ “You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘You shall not commit murder’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.’ ²² “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be liable before the court; and whoever shall say to his brother, ‘Raca[3],’ shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever shall say, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.”… ³³ “Again, you have heard that the ancients were told, ‘You shall not make false vows, but shall fulfil you vows to the Lord.’ ³⁴ “But I say to you, make no oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, ³⁵ or by the earth, for it is the footstool of his feet, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. ³⁶ “Nor shall you make an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. ³⁷ “But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’; and anything beyond these is of evil.

Matthew 5:33-37

¹⁶ “But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the market places, who call out to the other children, ¹⁷ and say, ‘We played the flute, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’ ¹⁸ “For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon!’ ¹⁹ “The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax-gatherers and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.”

Matthew 11:16-19

³³ “Either make the tree good, and its fruit good; or make the tree bad, and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit. ³⁴ “You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart. ³⁵ “The good man out of his good treasure brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of his evil treasure brings forth what is evil. ³⁶ “And I say to you, that every careless word that men shall speak, they shall render account for it in the day of judgement. ³⁷ “For by your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned.”

Matthew 12:33-37

¹⁰ And after he called the multitudes to him, He said to them, “Hear, and understand. ¹¹ “Not what enters into the mouth defiles the man, but what proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the man.”… ¹⁵ And Peter answered and said to him, “Explain the parable to us.” ¹⁶ And he said, “Are you still lacking in understanding also? ¹⁷ “Do you not understand that everything that goes into the mouth passes into the stomach, and is eliminated? ¹⁸ “But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man. ¹⁹ “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders. ²⁰ “These are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile the man.”

Matthew 15:15-20

¹⁵ “And if your brother sins, go and reprove him in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. ¹⁶ “But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed. ¹⁷ “And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax-gatherer.”

Matthew 18:15-17

⁴² Jesus said to them, “If God were your father, you would love me; for I proceeded forth and have come from God, for I have not even come on my own initiative, but he sent me. ⁴³ “Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot hear my word. ⁴⁴ “You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murder from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because their is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature; for he is a liar, and the father of lies. ⁴⁵ “But because I speak the truth, you do not believe me. ⁴⁶ “Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I speak truth, why do you not believe me? ⁴⁷ “He who is of God, hears the words of God; for this reason you do not hear them, because you are not of God.”

John 8:42-47

¹ But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a piece of property, ² and kept back some of the price for himself, with his wife’s full knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he laid it at the apostles’ feet. ³ But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back some of the price of the land? ⁴ “While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your control? Why is it that you have conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God.” ⁵ And he heard these words, Ananias fell down, and breathed his last; and great fear came upon all who heard of it. ⁶ And the young men arose and covered him up, and after carrying him out, they buried him. ⁷ Now there elapsed about three hours and his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. ⁸ And Peter responded to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for such and such a price?” And she said, “Yes, that was the price.” ⁹ Then Peter said to her, “Why is it that you have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they shall carry you out as well. ¹⁰ And she fell immediately at his feet, and breathed her last; and the young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. ¹¹ And great fear came upon the whole church, and upon all who heard of these things.

Acts 5:1-11

Read 1 Corinthians 13:3-8.

1 Corinthians 13:3-8

²⁵ Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth, each one of you, with his neighbour, for we are members of one another… ²⁹ Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear. ³⁰ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹ Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamour and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.

Ephesians 4:25,29-31

³ But do not let immorality or any impurity or greed even be named among you, as is proper among saints; ⁴ and there must be no filthiness or silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. ⁵ For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God… ¹¹ And do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead expose them; ¹² for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret… ¹⁸ And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, ¹⁹ speaking to one another in Spirit-breathed psalms and hymns and songs[4], singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; ²⁰ always giving thanks for all things in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father…

Ephesians 5: 3-5,11,12,18-20

⁸ But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. ⁹ Do not lie to one another, since you have laid aside the old self with its evil practices… ¹⁷ And whatever you do in word and deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

Colossians 3:8,9,17

⁶ Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned, as it were, with salt, so that you may know how to respond to each person.

Colossians 4:6

¹¹ For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies.

2 Thessalonians 3:11

¹³ And at the same time they [young widows] also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention.

1 Timothy 5:13

¹² One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” ¹³ This testimony is true. For this cause reprove them severely that they may be sound in the faith, ¹⁴ not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth.

Titus 1:12

¹ Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, ² to malign no one, to be uncontentious, gentle, showing every consideration for all men.

Titus 3:1,2

¹³ For when God made the promise to Abraham, since he could swear by no one greater, he swore by himself… ¹⁶ For men swear by one greater than themselves, and with them an oath given as confirmation is the end of every dispute.

Hebrews 6:13,16

²⁴ And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, ²⁵ not forsake our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more, as you see the day drawing near.

Hebrews 10:24,25

¹⁹ This you know[5], my beloved brethren. But let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; ²⁰ for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God… ²⁶ If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless.

James 1:19,20,26

¹ Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we shall incur a stricter judgement. ² For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well. ³ Now if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they may obey us, we direct their entire body as well. ⁴ Behold, the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a small rudder, wherever the inclination of the pilot desires. ⁵ So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. Behold, how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! ⁶ And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell. ⁷ For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed, and has been tamed by the human race. ⁸ But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. ⁹ With it we bless our Lord and Father; and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; ¹⁰ from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. ¹¹ Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? ¹² Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Neither can salt water produce fresh.

James 3:1-12

¹¹ Do not speak against one another, brethren. He who speaks against a brother, or judges his brother, speaks against the law, and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge of it. ¹² There is only one lawgiver and judge, the one that is able to save and to destroy; but who are you to judge your neighbour?

James 4:11,12

²¹ For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in his steps, ²² who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in his mouth; ²³ and while being reviled, he did not revile in return; while suffering, he uttered no threats, but kept entrusting himself to him who judges righteously.

1 Peter 2:21-23

⁸ To sum up, let all be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kind-hearted, and humble in spirit; ⁹ not returning evil for evil, or insult for insult, but giving blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing, ¹⁰ for, “Let him who means to love life and see good days refrain his lips from evil and his lips from speaking guile. ¹¹ “And let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. ¹² “For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears attend their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”… ¹⁵ but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defence to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.

1 Peter 3:8-12,15

¹⁵ By no means let any of you suffer as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; ¹⁶ but if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but in that name let him glorify God.

1 Peter 4:15

³ Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts.

2 Peter 3:3

¹⁶ These are grumblers, finding fault, following after their own lusts; they speak arrogantly, flattering people for the sake of gaining an advantage.

Jude 16

¹⁵ Outside are the dogs and the sorcerers and the immoral persons and the murderers and the idolater, and everyone who loves and practices lying.

Revelation 22:15

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[1] Lit., kept silence

[2] Lit., pain

[3] Aramaic for empty-head or good for nothing.

[4] A literal translation of ψαλμοις και υμνοις και ωδαις πνευματικαις (cf. 2 Tim. 3:16 - not that I'm saying that πνευματικαις = θεοπνευστος).

[5] Or, Know this.