Proverbs 10:11
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,
but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.(A)
Proverbs 13:14
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,
so that one may avoid the snares of death.(A)
Proverbs 10:6
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
6 Blessings are on the head of the righteous,
but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.(A)
Proverbs 18:4
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
4 The words of the mouth are deep waters;
the fountain of wisdom is a gushing stream.(A)
Proverbs 10:20-21
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver;
the mind of the wicked is of little worth.(A)
21 The lips of the righteous feed many,
but fools die for lack of sense.
Ephesians 4:29
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
29 Let no evil talk come out of your mouths but only what is good for building up,[a] as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear.
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- 4.29 Other ancient authorities read building up faith
Matthew 12:34-37
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34 You brood of vipers! How can you speak good things when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.(A) 35 The good person brings good things out of a good treasure, and the evil person brings evil things out of an evil treasure. 36 I tell you, on the day of judgment you will have to give an account for every careless word you utter, 37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
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Proverbs 20:15
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
15 There is gold and abundance of costly stones,
but the lips informed by knowledge are a precious jewel.
Proverbs 16:22-24
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
22 Wisdom is a fountain of life to one who has it,
but folly is the punishment of fools.(A)
23 The mind of the wise makes their speech judicious
and adds persuasiveness to their lips.
24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,
sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
Psalm 37:30-31
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
30 The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom,
and their tongues speak justice.(A)
31 The law of their God is in their hearts;
their steps do not slip.(B)
James 3:5-8
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5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits.
How great a forest is set ablaze by a such a small fire!(A) 6 And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is placed among our members as a world of iniquity; it stains the whole body, sets on fire the cycle of life, and is itself set on fire by hell.[a](B) 7 For every species of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species, 8 but no one can tame the tongue—a restless[b] evil, full of deadly poison.(C)
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Ecclesiastes 10:12-14
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12 Words spoken by the wise bring them favor,
but the lips of fools consume them.(A)
13 The words of their mouths begin in foolishness,
and their talk ends in wicked madness,(B)
14 yet fools talk on and on.
No one knows what is to happen,
and who can tell anyone what the future holds?(C)
Proverbs 15:7
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge;
not so the minds of fools.
Proverbs 10:32
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable,
but the mouth of the wicked what is perverse.
Psalm 107:42
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
42 The upright see it and are glad,
and all wickedness stops its mouth.(A)
New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.