Speaking

144 passages listed in Nave’s Topical Bible and Torrey’s New Topical Textbook. Verse text: Berean Standard Bible; links open in your translation.

Evil

Exodus 22:28 You must not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people.
Job 19:18 Even little boys scorn me; when I appear, they deride me.
Psalm 10:7–8 His mouth is full of cursing, deceit, and violence; trouble and malice are under his tongue. …
Psalm 12:3–4 May the LORD cut off all flattering lips and every boastful tongue. …
Psalm 34:13 Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech.
Psalm 35:21 They gape at me and say, “Aha, aha! Our eyes have seen!”
Psalm 41:5–9 My enemies say with malice: “When will he die and be forgotten?” …
Psalm 52:2–4 Your tongue devises destruction like a sharpened razor, O worker of deceit. …
Psalm 59:12 By the sins of their mouths and the words of their lips, let them be trapped in their pride, in the curses and lies they utter.
Psalm 64:2–5 Hide me from the scheming of the wicked, from the mob of workers of iniquity, …
Psalm 69:12 Those who sit at the gate mock me, and I am the song of drunkards.
Psalm 69:26 For they persecute the one You struck and recount the pain of those You wounded.
Psalm 70:3 May those who say, “Aha, aha!” retreat because of their shame.
Psalm 102:8 All day long my enemies taunt me; they ridicule me and curse me.
Psalm 106:33 For they rebelled against His Spirit, and Moses spoke rashly with his lips.
Psalm 119:23 Though rulers sit and slander me, Your servant meditates on Your statutes.
Psalm 120:1–7 In my distress I cried to the LORD, and He answered me. …
Psalm 140:3 They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips. Selah
Psalm 140:11 May no slanderer be established in the land; may calamity hunt down the man of violence.
Proverbs 4:24 Put away deception from your mouth; keep your lips from perverse speech.
Proverbs 6:16–19 There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to Him: …
Proverbs 8:13 To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech.
Proverbs 10:11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
Proverbs 10:19 When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.
Proverbs 10:31–32 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out. …
Proverbs 11:11 By the blessing of the upright a city is built up, but by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down.
Proverbs 12:5–6 The plans of the righteous are just, but the counsel of the wicked leads to deceit. …
Proverbs 12:13 An evil man is trapped by his rebellious speech, but a righteous man escapes from trouble.
Proverbs 12:17–19 He who speaks the truth declares what is right, but a false witness speaks deceit. …
Proverbs 13:3 He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.
Proverbs 14:25 A truthful witness saves lives, but one who utters lies is deceitful.
Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:4 A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.
Proverbs 15:28 The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil.
Proverbs 16:27–28 A worthless man digs up evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire. …
Proverbs 17:4 A wicked man listens to evil lips; a liar gives ear to a destructive tongue.
Proverbs 17:9 Whoever conceals an offense promotes love, but he who brings it up separates friends.
Proverbs 17:20 The one with a perverse heart finds no good, and he whose tongue is deceitful falls into trouble.
Proverbs 18:8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being.
Proverbs 18:21 Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Proverbs 18:23 The poor man pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly.
Proverbs 19:1 Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a fool whose lips are perverse.
Proverbs 19:22 The desire of a man is loving devotion; better to be poor than a liar.
Proverbs 19:28 A corrupt witness mocks justice, and a wicked mouth swallows iniquity.
Proverbs 24:2 for their hearts devise violence, and their lips declare trouble.
Proverbs 25:23 As the north wind brings forth rain, so a backbiting tongue brings angry looks.
Proverbs 26:20–23 Without wood, a fire goes out; without gossip, a conflict ceases. …
Proverbs 26:28 A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth causes ruin.
Ecclesiastes 7:22 For you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others.
Ecclesiastes 10:11 If the snake bites before it is charmed, there is no profit for the charmer.
Ecclesiastes 10:20 Do not curse the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich even in your bedroom, for a bird of the air may carry your words, and a winged creature may report your speech.
Isaiah 6:5 Then I said: “Woe is me, for I am ruined, because I am a man of unclean lips dwelling among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts.”
Isaiah 32:6–7 For a fool speaks foolishness; his mind plots iniquity. He practices ungodliness and speaks falsely about the LORD; he leaves the hungry empty and deprives the thirsty of drink. …
Jeremiah 20:10 For I have heard the whispering of many: “Terror is on every side! Report him; let us report him!” All my trusted friends watch for my fall: “Perhaps he will be deceived so that we may prevail against him and take our vengeance upon him.”
Matthew 5:22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.
Matthew 5:37 Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ Anything more comes from the evil one.
Matthew 12:34–37 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. …
Acts 23:5 “Brothers,” Paul replied, “I was not aware that he was the high priest, for it is written: ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.’”
Romans 1:29–30 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice. They are gossips, …
Romans 3:13–14 “Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.” “The venom of vipers is on their lips.” …
1 Corinthians 6:10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.
Ephesians 4:25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another.
Ephesians 4:29 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.
Ephesians 4:31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice.
Ephesians 5:4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving.
Titus 1:10–11 For many are rebellious and full of empty talk and deception, especially those of the circumcision, …
Titus 3:2 to malign no one, and to be peaceable and gentle, showing full consideration to everyone.
James 1:19 My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,
James 1:26 If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.
James 3:5–6 In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. …
James 3:8–10 but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. …
James 4:11 Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. And if you judge the law, you are not a practitioner of the law, but a judge of it.
1 Peter 2:1 Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander.
1 Peter 3:9–10 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. …
2 Peter 2:7–8 and if He rescued Lot, a righteous man distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless …
2 Peter 2:10 Such punishment is specially reserved for those who indulge the corrupt desires of the flesh and despise authority. Bold and self-willed, they are unafraid to slander glorious beings.
Jude 8–10 Yet in the same way these dreamers defile their bodies, reject authority, and slander glorious beings. …

Folly In

Job 13:5 If only you would remain silent; for that would be your wisdom!
Job 16:3–4 Is there no end to your long-winded speeches? What provokes you to continue testifying? …
Job 38:2 “Who is this who obscures My counsel by words without knowledge?
Proverbs 10:14 The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of the fool invites destruction.
Proverbs 12:23 A shrewd man keeps his knowledge to himself, but a foolish heart proclaims its folly.
Proverbs 13:3 He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.
Proverbs 14:3 The proud speech of a fool brings a rod to his back, but the lips of the wise protect them.
Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly.
Proverbs 15:7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but not so the hearts of fools.
Proverbs 15:14 A discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.
Proverbs 18:6–7 A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating. …
Proverbs 18:13 He who answers a matter before he hears it— this is folly and disgrace to him.
Proverbs 26:4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be like him.
Proverbs 26:7 Like lame legs hanging limp is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
Proverbs 26:9 Like a thorn that goes into the hand of a drunkard is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
Proverbs 29:11 A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back.
Proverbs 29:20 Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Proverbs 30:10 Do not slander a servant to his master, or he will curse you, and you will bear the guilt.
Ecclesiastes 5:3 As a dream comes through many cares, so the speech of a fool comes with many words.
Ecclesiastes 5:7 For as many dreams bring futility, so do many words. Therefore, fear God.
Ecclesiastes 10:13–14 The beginning of his talk is folly, and the end of his speech is evil madness. …
Matthew 12:36–37 But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. …
Ephesians 5:4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving.

Wisdom In

Job 16:5 But I would encourage you with my mouth, and the consolation of my lips would bring relief.
Job 27:4 my lips will not speak wickedness, and my tongue will not utter deceit.
Psalm 15:1–3 O LORD, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy mountain? …
Psalm 37:30 The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice.
Psalm 39:1 I said, “I will watch my ways so that I will not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle as long as the wicked are present.”
Psalm 50:23 He who sacrifices a thank offering honors Me, and to him who rightly orders his way, I will show the salvation of God.”
Psalm 77:12 I will reflect on all You have done and ponder Your mighty deeds.
Psalm 119:13 With my lips I proclaim all the judgments of Your mouth.
Psalm 119:27 Make clear to me the way of Your precepts; then I will meditate on Your wonders.
Psalm 119:54 Your statutes are songs to me in the house of my pilgrimage.
Psalm 119:172 My tongue sings of Your word, for all Your commandments are righteous.
Psalm 141:3 Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.
Psalm 145:5–7 the glorious splendor of Your majesty. And I will meditate on Your wondrous works. …
Psalm 145:11–12 They will tell of the glory of Your kingdom and speak of Your might, …
Proverbs 10:11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
Proverbs 10:13 Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment.
Proverbs 10:19–21 When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise. …
Proverbs 10:31–32 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out. …
Proverbs 11:12–14 Whoever shows contempt for his neighbor lacks judgment, but a man of understanding remains silent. …
Proverbs 12:6 The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them.
Proverbs 12:14 By fruitful speech a man is filled with good things, and the work of his hands returns to him.
Proverbs 12:16–20 A fool’s anger is known at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult. …
Proverbs 12:23 A shrewd man keeps his knowledge to himself, but a foolish heart proclaims its folly.
Proverbs 13:2–3 From the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good things, but the desire of the faithless is violence. …
Proverbs 14:3 The proud speech of a fool brings a rod to his back, but the lips of the wise protect them.
Proverbs 15:1–2 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. …
Proverbs 15:4 A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.
Proverbs 15:7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but not so the hearts of fools.
Proverbs 15:23 A man takes joy in a fitting reply — and how good is a timely word!
Proverbs 15:26 The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but the words of the pure are pleasant to Him.
Proverbs 15:28 The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil.
Proverbs 16:21–24 The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant speech promotes instruction. …
Proverbs 17:7 Eloquent words are unfit for a fool; how much worse are lying lips to a ruler!
Proverbs 17:27–28 A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit. …
Proverbs 18:4 The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
Proverbs 18:20 From the fruit of his mouth a man’s belly is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.
Proverbs 19:1 Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a fool whose lips are perverse.
Proverbs 20:15 There is an abundance of gold and rubies, but lips of knowledge are a rare treasure.
Proverbs 21:23 He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.
Proverbs 22:11 He who loves a pure heart and gracious lips will have the king for a friend.
Proverbs 24:6 Only with sound guidance should you wage war, and victory lies in a multitude of counselors.
Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
Proverbs 25:15 Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
Proverbs 26:5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he become wise in his own eyes.
Proverbs 29:11 A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back.
Proverbs 31:26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
Ecclesiastes 3:7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,
Ecclesiastes 9:17 The calm words of the wise are heeded over the shouts of a ruler among fools.
Ecclesiastes 10:12 The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him.
Ecclesiastes 12:9–11 Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also taught the people knowledge; he pondered, searched out, and arranged many proverbs. …
Amos 5:13 Therefore, the prudent keep silent in such times, for the days are evil.
Zephaniah 3:13 The remnant of Israel will no longer do wrong or speak lies, nor will a deceitful tongue be found in their mouths. But they will feed and lie down, with no one to make them tremble.”
Zechariah 8:16 These are the things you must do: Speak truth to one another, render true and sound judgments in your gates,
Matthew 12:35 The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure.
Matthew 12:37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Luke 6:45 The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil treasure of his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.
Ephesians 4:22 to put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;
Ephesians 4:25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another.
Ephesians 4:29 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.
Philippians 1:27 Nevertheless, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending together as one for the …
Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
James 1:19 My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,
James 1:26 If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.
James 3:2 We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body.
James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
1 Peter 2:12 Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.
1 Peter 3:15–16 But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect, …
Revelation 14:5 And no lie was found in their mouths; they are blameless.

Speaking

Evil

Folly In

Wisdom In

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