Words have a great deal of power; they may change our lives, affect our emotions, and shape relationships. The hazards of an evil tongue—speech that is full of lies, slander, gossip, and curses—are often warned against in the Bible. Scripture emphasizes the power of hurtful words to sow discord, ruin reputations, and even bring about spiritual destruction, as seen in the book of Proverbs and Jesus’ teachings. For those who want to live moral lives and glorify God in their daily encounters, it is essential to comprehend what God says about controlling our tongues.
The Bible verses about evil tongues makes it abundantly evident that our words reveal the state of our hearts. In James 3:6, the tongue is compared to a fire that has the power to destroy a person’s life. It teaches that since everyone is created in God’s likeness, the same tongue that extols God should not be used to disparage others. These cautions act as a reminder that rather than being motivated by hate and dishonesty, our discourse should be informed by wisdom, love, and truth. We line ourselves with God’s will and show people His love when we are careful with what we say.
The Bible verses about evil tongues exhorts believers to speak words of truth, edification, and encouragement as opposed to words of evil. According to Proverbs 15:4, “a gentle tongue is a tree of life,” demonstrating that our words have the capacity to do more good than harm. We exhibit God’s nature when we decide to speak truth rather than lies, to bless rather than curse, and to uplift rather than demolish. Jesus Himself urged us to be aware of the words we use on a daily basis, teaching that what a person says is a reflection of what is inside their heart.
We can better appreciate the value of self-control in speech by studying Bible passages about the evil tongue. The Bible verses about evil tongues offers unambiguous instructions on how to resist the urge to use harsh language, start rumors, or talk dishonestly. Believers can change their speech to exalt God by praying, becoming wise, and resolving to speak only truth and compassion. By reflecting on these verses, we can be motivated to speak more deliberately and make sure that our words reflect Christ’s light rather than the world’s darkness.
30 Powerful Bible Verses About Evil Tongues in 2025
1. Proverbs 18:21
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”
This verse highlights the immense power of words. The tongue has the ability to bring life—through encouragement, truth, and wisdom—but also death, through lies, slander, and gossip. What we say can shape our relationships, influence others, and even determine the direction of our lives. As believers, we must use our words responsibly, ensuring that they bring life rather than destruction.
2. James 3:6
“And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.”
James vividly describes the tongue as a dangerous fire, capable of great destruction. Just as a small flame can burn down an entire forest, careless or evil speech can ruin reputations, divide families, and even lead people away from God. This verse reminds us to keep our speech under control and ensure that our words reflect righteousness rather than evil.
3. Proverbs 15:4
“A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.”
This verse contrasts the power of kind and evil speech. A gentle tongue—one that speaks with kindness, truth, and encouragement—brings healing and life. However, a perverse tongue—one that speaks deceit, slander, or harsh words—causes deep wounds and breaks the spirit. This reminds us to be intentional with our words, ensuring that they uplift rather than harm.
4. 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.”
This verse encourages believers to be mindful of their words. Our speech should not be filled with corruption, negativity, or evil intent. Instead, we are called to use words that uplift, encourage, and bless others. Words have the power to either strengthen or destroy, and as Christians, we should aim to speak with kindness and wisdom.
5. Matthew 12:36-37
“I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Jesus warns that every word we speak has consequences. Words are not meaningless; they reflect the state of our hearts and will be judged accordingly. Careless, hurtful, or evil speech can lead to condemnation, while words of truth and grace can bring justification. This verse reminds us to be intentional and righteous in our speech.
6. Proverbs 21:23
“Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.”
This verse highlights the wisdom in controlling one’s speech. Speaking recklessly or engaging in gossip and slander can lead to conflicts and trouble. A wise person knows when to speak and when to remain silent. Guarding our tongues protects us from unnecessary strife and helps maintain peace.
7. James 1:26
“If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.”
True faith is demonstrated not only in actions but also in speech. A person who claims to follow God yet speaks carelessly, spreads lies, or harms others with their words is deceived. This verse challenges believers to align their speech with their faith, ensuring that their words reflect God’s love and truth.
8. Psalm 34:13
“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.”
This verse is a direct command to avoid evil speech, including lies, gossip, and slander. Speaking deceitfully can harm relationships and create division. God calls us to be people of truth, using our words to build rather than destroy.
9. Proverbs 10:19
“When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.”
Excessive talking often leads to mistakes, exaggerations, or even sinful speech. A wise person understands the importance of restraint. This verse teaches the value of careful and thoughtful speech, emphasizing that fewer words can sometimes lead to greater wisdom.
10. James 3:8
“But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.”
James describes the tongue as one of the most difficult parts of the body to control. It can be used for great good or great harm. While human effort alone cannot tame the tongue, with God’s help, we can learn to speak in ways that honor Him and bless others.
11. Colossians 3:8
“But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.”
This verse calls believers to put away harmful speech, including slander, malice, and foul language. As followers of Christ, we should be known for words that reflect love, patience, and kindness, rather than those that spread negativity.
12. Psalm 141:3
“Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!”
This is a powerful prayer asking God to help control speech. The psalmist understands that the tongue is difficult to manage and seeks divine help in guarding his words. This verse reminds us to be intentional and prayerful about what we say.
13. 1 Peter 3:10
“For whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit.”
This verse connects the quality of life with the words we speak. Speaking truth and avoiding evil speech leads to a more fulfilling and peaceful life. Deceitful and harmful words, on the other hand, can bring trouble and sorrow.
14. Proverbs 12:18
“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
Words can either wound or heal. Harsh, reckless words can cause deep emotional and spiritual damage, much like a sword. However, words of wisdom and kindness bring healing, comfort, and encouragement.
15. Titus 3:2
“To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of refraining from speaking evil about others. It encourages believers to pursue gentleness and peace in their speech, reflecting Christ’s love in all interactions.
16. Exodus 20:16
“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.”
One of the Ten Commandments, this verse forbids lying and spreading falsehoods. Bearing false witness can lead to injustice, hurt others, and damage one’s integrity. Truthful speech is essential in maintaining righteousness.
17. Proverbs 16:27
“A worthless man plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.”
This verse warns about those who use their words for evil. Just as fire destroys everything in its path, harmful speech can ruin relationships, reputations, and lives.
18. Matthew 15:11
“It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.”
Jesus teaches that our words reveal the condition of our hearts. Evil speech—such as lies, insults, and gossip—defiles a person more than any physical impurity.
19. Proverbs 26:20
“For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.”
Gossip and slander fuel conflict. This verse teaches that when harmful speech stops, peace follows. Controlling the tongue can prevent unnecessary disputes.
20. 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.”
Our words reflect what is in our hearts. If we fill our hearts with God’s truth, our words will reflect kindness and righteousness.
21. Ecclesiastes 5:6
“Let not your mouth lead you into sin, and do not say before the messenger that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry at your voice and destroy the work of your hands?”
This verse warns against careless speech that can lead to sin. Words have consequences, and thoughtless remarks can bring destruction. It reminds believers to be mindful of their speech and avoid making false promises or statements they later regret.
22. Romans 3:13-14
“Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive. The venom of asps is under their lips. Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.”
Paul describes the sinful nature of humanity, highlighting the destructive power of evil speech. Deception, curses, and bitterness are signs of a corrupt heart. This verse emphasizes the need for transformation through Christ to cleanse our words and align them with God’s truth.
23. 1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.'”
Although this verse focuses on the influence of others, it also applies to speech. Associating with people who engage in gossip, slander, and evil speech can corrupt one’s character. Believers are called to surround themselves with godly influences that encourage pure and uplifting words.
24. Psalm 52:2-4
“Your tongue plots destruction, like a sharp razor, you worker of deceit. You love evil more than good, and lying more than speaking what is right. You love all words that devour, O deceitful tongue.”
This passage paints a vivid picture of the damage that an evil tongue can cause. Words can be like weapons, cutting deep and causing harm. God desires truthfulness and righteousness in our speech rather than deceit and destruction.
25. Micah 6:12
“Your rich men are full of violence; your inhabitants speak lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth.”
God condemns those who use their tongues for deceit. Dishonest speech leads to corruption and injustice. This verse serves as a warning that God sees and judges the words of the unrighteous.
26. Mark 7:20-23
“And he said, ‘What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.'”
Jesus teaches that speech reflects the heart. Evil words come from an unclean heart filled with sin. This verse reminds believers to guard their hearts and fill them with righteousness so that their words bring life and not corruption.
27. Proverbs 17:4
“An evildoer listens to wicked lips, and a liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.”
This verse warns against entertaining evil speech. Those who willingly listen to lies, slander, and gossip are just as guilty as those who speak them. As Christians, we must reject evil conversations and choose words that honor God.
28. Job 27:4
“My lips will not speak falsehood, and my tongue will not utter deceit.”
Job makes a commitment to honesty and integrity in his speech, even in suffering. His example reminds us that our words should always be truthful, no matter the circumstances. Honoring God with our speech brings righteousness and blessing.
29. Proverbs 15:4
“A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.”
A kind and uplifting tongue nourishes and brings life, while harsh and evil words crush the spirit. This verse encourages believers to use their words to encourage, heal, and strengthen others rather than cause harm.
30. Zechariah 8:16
“These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth to one another; render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace.”
God calls His people to speak truthfully and promote justice. Honest and righteous speech leads to peace, while deceit and evil speech bring discord. This verse reminds us that our words should reflect God’s righteousness and love.
Conclusion
The Bible makes it quite evident that our words have great power. Lying, slander, gossip, and dishonesty are examples of evil speech that can seriously hurt both persons and societies. God asks His people to be careful what they say and to use it to build and strengthen rather than to destroy. While a tongue that communicates truth and love shows a heart changed by God’s grace, a tongue that expresses evil reflects a heart that is far from Him. We may make sure that our words reflect God’s will and bring about life rather than death by seeking His knowledge and letting His Spirit direct our discourse.
Avoiding offensive speech is only one aspect of guarding our tongues; another is purposefully using language that exalts God and uplifts others. The Bible exhorts believers to speak with wisdom, love, and truth. We become vehicles of God’s righteousness and love in the world when we give up our words to Him. We can endeavor to emulate Christ in our speech as we think on these verses and apply them to our lives. By utilizing our tongues, we can spread truth, healing, and encouragement in a world that is frequently full of lies and negativity.
