The Best 50+ Bible Verses About Words That Hurt

Words can cut deep. They can leave scars that last a lifetime. This article brings together 50 Bible verses that speak to the pain caused by hurtful words.

These verses offer wisdom and comfort. They remind us of the impact our words can have and guide us toward kindness and understanding.

50 Bible Verses About Words That Hurt

10 Bible Verses on Words That Hurt Others

• "There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health." — Proverbs 12:18
• "Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell." — James 3:5-6
• "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." — Proverbs 18:21
• "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers." — Ephesians 4:29
• "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." — Proverbs 15:1
• "But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth." — Colossians 3:8
• "But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." — Matthew 12:36-37
• "Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones." — Proverbs 16:24
• "Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit." — Psalm 34:13
• "Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles." — Proverbs 21:23

10 Bible Verses on The Impact of Hurtful Words

• "A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit." — Proverbs 15:4
• "Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad." — Proverbs 12:25
• "The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool shall swallow him up." — Ecclesiastes 10:12
• "Who sharpen their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows—bitter words." — Psalm 64:3
• "The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, but who can bear a broken spirit?" — Proverbs 18:14
• "So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God." — James 1:19-20
• "A man who bears false witness against his neighbor is like a club, a sword, and a sharp arrow." — Proverbs 25:18
• "But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man." — Matthew 15:18
• "In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise." — Proverbs 10:19
• "Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips." — Psalm 141:3

10 Bible Verses on Healing from Hurtful Words

• "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." — Psalm 147:3
• "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound." — Isaiah 61:1
• "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." — 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
• "For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds,’ says the Lord, ‘Because they called you an outcast saying: ‘This is Zion; No one seeks her.’" — Jeremiah 30:17
• "O Lord my God, I cried out to You, and You healed me." — Psalm 30:2
• "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." — Matthew 11:28-30
• "But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you." — 1 Peter 5:10
• "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." — Revelation 21:4
• "But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed." — Isaiah 53:5
• "Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases." — Psalm 103:3

10 Bible Verses on Guarding Against Hurtful Speech

• "A proud and haughty man—'Scoffer' is his name; He acts with arrogant pride." — Proverbs 21:24
• "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." — Ephesians 4:31-32
• "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one." — Colossians 4:6
• "He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction." — Proverbs 13:3
• "If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless." — James 1:26
• "Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him." — Proverbs 29:20
• "Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." — Matthew 12:34
• "For 'He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit.'" — 1 Peter 3:10
• "The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked what is perverse." — Proverbs 10:32
• "Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks." — Ephesians 5:4

10 Bible Verses on Transforming Hurtful Words

• "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse." — Romans 12:14
• "The wise in heart will be called prudent, and sweetness of the lips increases learning." — Proverbs 16:21
• "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you." — Matthew 5:44
• "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection." — Colossians 3:12-14
• "But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ." — Ephesians 4:15
• "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." — Proverbs 25:11
• "Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing." — 1 Thessalonians 5:11
• "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted." — Galatians 6:1
• "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things." — Philippians 4:8
• "Put away from you a deceitful mouth, and put perverse lips far from you." — Proverbs 4:24

What Does the Bible Say About Words That Hurt

Words have a profound impact on our lives. The Bible offers many insights into how our words can either hurt or heal. It reminds us that our speech is powerful and can shape our relationships and our own well-being. By reflecting on these teachings, we can learn to use our words more wisely and compassionately.

One key theme is the destructive power of hurtful words. Verses like Proverbs 12:18 and James 3:5-6 highlight how words can wound deeply, comparing them to a sword or a fire. These passages remind us to be mindful of our speech, as careless words can cause lasting damage.

Another important theme is the healing potential of kind words. Proverbs 16:24 and Psalm 147:3 show that gentle and loving words can bring comfort and healing. When we speak with kindness, we can uplift others and mend broken hearts.

The Bible also emphasizes the importance of guarding our speech. Proverbs 21:23 and James 1:26 encourage us to be cautious with our words, suggesting that self-control can prevent many troubles. By being thoughtful and deliberate in our speech, we can avoid causing unnecessary pain.

Finally, the Bible calls us to transform our speech to reflect love and grace. Verses like Romans 12:14 and Ephesians 4:15 urge us to bless others and speak the truth in love. By following these teachings, we can create a more compassionate and understanding world.

How to Apply These Bible Verses About Words That Hurt

Applying the Bible's teachings about words that hurt can make a big difference in our daily lives. These verses guide us to speak with kindness and wisdom, helping us build better relationships and a more peaceful community.

Here are some practical steps to live out these principles:

• Start your day with a prayer asking for guidance in your speech. Simple prayers can set a positive tone for the day.
• Practice active listening. Before responding, take a moment to understand the other person's perspective.
• Replace negative words with positive ones. For example, instead of criticizing, offer constructive feedback.
• Join a community group or Bible study to discuss and reflect on these teachings. Sharing experiences can provide support and encouragement.
• Keep a journal to track your progress. Write down instances where you successfully used kind words and areas where you can improve.

Remember, God is always with you, guiding you to speak with love and grace. Your efforts to follow these teachings can lead to meaningful change in your life and the lives of those around you.

Explore more prayers and Bible verses on PrayersFor or try our Bible Verse Generator to deepen your understanding and faith.