Tame the Tongue: 5 Scriptures That Govern Godly Speech
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” — Proverbs 18:21
Scripture doesn’t treat words lightly. From Genesis to Revelation, the tongue is shown to be either a holy instrument of healing—or a spark that sets lives ablaze.
Proverbs alone is saturated with warnings, counsel, and promises regarding the power of speech. God speaks creation into existence. Satan speaks deception. And we, made in God's image, wield a weapon daily—our words.
This post is a call to discipleship of the mouth.
Word Study: Hebrew Insight on the Tongue
The Hebrew word for "tongue" is לָשׁוֹן (lashon). It refers not only to the physical tongue but also to language, speech, and communication. In Proverbs, "lashon" is tied to character, wisdom, and spiritual alignment.
- Lashon ra = evil speech, slander, gossip
- Lashon tov = good speech, blessing, counsel
The words you speak are not neutral—they are spiritual seeds that plant either blessing or ruin.
The Top 5 Commandments of Godly Speech
1. Speak Life, Not Death
Proverbs 18:21 — “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”
Every word you speak is planting something. Let it be life.
2. Avoid Gossip and Flattery
Proverbs 16:28 — “A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.”
Proverbs 26:28 — “A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth works ruin.”
If it’s not your story to tell, stay silent. If it’s flattery, not truth—it’s poison.
3. Be Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak
James 1:19 — “Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.”
Silence creates space for wisdom. Rash words never heal.
4. Use Gentle Words to Break Hard Walls
Proverbs 15:1 — “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Gentleness disarms. You don’t need to be loud to be strong.
5. Pray Before You Speak
Psalm 141:3 — “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!”
Your tongue doesn’t need more confidence. It needs the Spirit’s restraint.
Daily Practices: Training the Tongue Like a Desert Monk
1. The First Silence
Before speaking to anyone in the morning, keep a sacred silence before God. Let your first words be inward: “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me.”
Only then say anything outward. The mouth must not lead the soul.
“A man who guards his tongue keeps his soul.” – Abba Poemen
2. The Watch of the Heart
Throughout the day, watch your thoughts before they become speech.
Ask silently: “Is this word born of anger, pride, or the Spirit?”
If it springs from ego, bury it. That is your worship.
“Let silence be your aim. You will speak when God wishes.” – Abba Arsenius
3. The Blessing of the Hidden Word
Speak one word of blessing today to someone who cannot repay you and who may never know it came from you. Do not explain it. Do not follow up.
Disappear after planting the seed.
“Hide your virtue, and God will reveal it when He chooses.”
4. The Fast of Speech
One day a week, enter a tongue fast.
Speak only what is necessary, and only when asked.
Let your silence become a temple.
If tempted to comment, explain, or correct—whisper instead: “Jesus, guard my mouth.”
5. The Examination Before Sleep
At day’s end, sit in silence.
Recall every word spoken.
Were they heavy with self? Were they light with grace?
Confess aloud to God the ones that grieved the Spirit.
Then pray Psalm 141:3 slowly:
“Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.”
“The lips that remain pure sanctify the whole body.” – Abba Agathon
Final Word
The tongue is small—but it steers your whole life.
If you don’t train it, sin will use it.
If you yield it to the Spirit, God will anoint it.
In the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of the Most High God—may your mouth be a vessel of life, truth, blessing, and fire.
Let your words sound like heaven.
