The Power of the Tongue

Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

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.

If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.

A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.

When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.

He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.

…but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.