Guarding Your Tongue: What Proverbs Teaches
- Chad Fisher
- Aug 7
- 4 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
By Pastor Chad Fisher, sharing biblical insights to inspire and strengthen your faith and relationship with God.
Words matter. They can heal or harm, bless or destroy. Nowhere is this truth more clearly laid out than in the Book of Proverbs. The wisdom of Proverbs reveals that what we say not only reflects our heart—it directs our lives. If you’ve ever struggled with saying too much, speaking in anger, or tearing others down, God’s Word offers a better way.
Let’s explore what Proverbs teaches about guarding the tongue and how you can use your words to build rather than break.
Words Have Power
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits." - Proverbs 18:21
Your words are not neutral. They are either sowing life or death. Proverbs shows us again and again that the tongue carries consequences. What you say will come back to you—good or bad. Learning to guard your tongue is learning to guard your future.
The Tongue Reflects the Heart
"The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is of little worth." - Proverbs 10:20
Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” Proverbs confirms this truth. A pure heart produces righteous speech. If you find unclean, negative, or angry words coming out regularly, it’s a signal to examine your heart.
A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath
"A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." - Proverbs 15:1
This verse is wisdom for conflict resolution. Proverbs teaches that your response can either calm a situation or escalate it. A guarded tongue knows when to speak gently, even when provoked. A soft answer doesn’t mean weakness—it’s a sign of wisdom and strength.
Too Many Words Lead to Trouble
"When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent." - Proverbs 10:19
Talking too much increases the risk of saying the wrong thing. Restraint is a spiritual discipline. Guarding your tongue isn’t just about what you say—it’s also about knowing when not to speak.
The Destructive Power of Gossip
"A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends." - Proverbs 16:28
Gossip is verbal poison. It breaks trust, ruins reputations, and separates relationships. Proverbs pulls no punches: those who gossip are acting in dishonesty and sowing division. If you want to guard your tongue, start by cutting out whispering and backbiting.
Wise Speech Brings Healing
"Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body." - Proverbs 16:24
Your words have the power to bring healing to someone’s soul. Encouragement, truth spoken in love, and graciousness are gifts you can give every day. Proverbs teaches that kind words are not only spiritual—they’re also medicinal.
God Hates a Lying Tongue
"There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue..." - Proverbs 6:16–17
Lying is not just wrong—it’s something God hates. Truthfulness is a sign of a heart aligned with God. Guarding your tongue means refusing to twist the truth, exaggerate, or mislead.
Wise People Listen More Than They Speak
"Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent." - Proverbs 17:28
Sometimes the wisest thing you can do is say nothing at all. Proverbs teaches that silence can be a sign of maturity. If you’re unsure what to say—or whether to say it—guard your tongue and stay quiet.
Conclusion: Speak Life, Not Death
Proverbs offers a masterclass in speech. Your tongue can be a tool of grace or a weapon of destruction. The choice is yours. Guarding your words doesn’t mean you never speak—it means you speak with wisdom, love, and intentionality.
"Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble." - Proverbs 21:23
Let’s commit to speaking words that reflect God’s heart and bring His presence into every conversation.
Want more insight on how your words shape your life? Read:
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