Proverbs 13:3
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
3 Those who guard their mouths preserve their lives;
those who open wide their lips come to ruin.(A)
Proverbs 21:23
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
23 To watch over mouth and tongue
is to keep out of trouble.(A)
Proverbs 18:21
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
and those who love it will eat its fruits.(A)
James 3:2-12
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
2 For all of us make many mistakes. Anyone who makes no mistakes in speaking is mature,[a] able to keep the whole body in check with a bridle.(A) 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we guide their whole bodies. 4 Or look at ships: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, yet they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 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!(B) 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.[b](C) 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[c] evil, full of deadly poison.(D) 9 With it we bless the Lord[d] and Father, and with it we curse people, made in the likeness of God.(E) 10 From the same mouth comes a blessing and a curse. My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and brackish water? 12 Can a fig tree, my brothers and sisters, yield olives or a grapevine figs? No more can salt water yield fresh.
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Proverbs 18:7
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
7 The mouths of fools are their ruin,
and their lips a snare to themselves.(A)
Psalm 39:1
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Psalm 39
Prayer for Wisdom and Forgiveness
To the leader: to Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.
1 I said, “I will guard my ways
that I may not sin with my tongue;
I will keep a muzzle on my mouth
as long as the wicked are in my presence.”(A)
Proverbs 20:19
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
19 A gossip reveals secrets;
therefore do not associate with a babbler.(A)
Proverbs 10:19
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
19 When words are many, transgression is not lacking,
but the prudent are restrained in speech.(A)
James 1:26
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26 If any think they are religious and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts, their religion is worthless.(A)
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Matthew 12:36-37
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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 12:13
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
13 The evil are ensnared by the transgression of their lips,
but the righteous escape from trouble.(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.