Bible Verses About the Tongue and Words: Slander and Gossip

October 19, 2026

Scripture passages about the tongue, gossip, slander, defamation, and kind words.

11 Scripture Passages · Father’s Blessing Bible

James 3:3–10

³ Now we put bits into horses’ mouths so that they may obey us, and we control their whole bodies. ⁴ Look at ships also: although they are so large and driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the helmsman wishes. ⁵ So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! ⁶ And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is placed among our members in such a way that it defiles the whole body and sets the course of life on fire, being itself set on fire by hell. ⁷ For every kind of beast and bird, reptile and sea creature, is tamed and has been tamed by humankind, ⁸ but no human being can tame the tongue: it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. ⁹ With it we bless God the Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. ¹⁰ From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be so.

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Proverbs 18:21

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

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Psalm 141:3

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

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Matthew 12:36–37

³⁶ I tell you that everyone will have to give an account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. ³⁷ For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.

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Ephesians 4:29

Let no corrupt word come out of your mouths, but only what is good for building others up according to their needs, that it may impart grace to those who hear.

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