Psalm 139:4
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
4 Even before a word is on my tongue,
O Lord, you know it completely.(A)
Hebrews 4:12-13
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
12 Indeed, the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.(A) 13 And before him no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must render an account.(B)
Read full chapter
Psalm 50:19-21
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
19 You give your mouth free rein for evil,
and your tongue frames deceit.
20 You sit and speak against your kin;
you slander your own mother’s child.(A)
21 These things you have done, and I have been silent;
you thought that I was one just like yourself.
But now I rebuke you and lay the charge before you.(B)
Psalm 19:14
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable to you,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.(A)
Job 42:3
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
3 ‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’
Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand,
things too wonderful for me that I did not know.(A)
James 1:26
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
26 If any think they are religious and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts, their religion is worthless.(A)
Read full chapter
Matthew 12:35-37
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
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.”
Read full chapter
Job 8:2
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
2 “How long will you say these things
and the words of your mouth be a great wind?
James 3:2-10
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.
Read full chapter
Malachi 3:13-16
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
13 You have spoken harsh words against me, says the Lord. Yet you say, “How have we spoken against you?”(A) 14 You have said, “It is vain to serve God. What do we profit by keeping his command or by going about as mourners before the Lord of hosts?(B) 15 Now we count the arrogant happy; evildoers not only prosper, but when they put God to the test they escape.”(C)
The Reward of the Faithful
16 Then those who revered the Lord spoke with one another. The Lord took note and listened, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who revered the Lord and thought on his name.(D)
Read full chapter
Zephaniah 1:12
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
12 At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps,
and I will punish the people
who settle like dregs in wine,
those who say in their hearts,
“The Lord will not do good,
nor will he do harm.”(A)
Jeremiah 29:23
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
23 because they have perpetrated outrage in Israel and have committed adultery with their neighbors’ wives and have spoken in my name lying words that I did not command them; I am the one who knows and bears witness, says the Lord.(A)
Read full chapter
Job 42:6-8
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
6 therefore I despise myself
and repent in dust and ashes.”(A)
Job’s Friends Are Humiliated
7 After the Lord had spoken these words to Job, the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite: “My wrath is kindled against you and against your two friends, for you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has.(B) 8 Now therefore take seven bulls and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering, and my servant Job shall pray for you, for I will accept his prayer not to deal with you according to your folly, for you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has done.”(C)
Read full chapter
Job 38:2
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
2 “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?(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.