“Good words are worth much and cost little.” – George Herbert

Words have a powerful impact. They can lift someone up or tear them down, spark joy or cause pain, bring peace or stir up anger. In many ways, the things we say matter even more than what we do, which is why choosing our words wisely is so important.

These days, it feels like kindness in conversation is harder to find. Social media is full of harsh words, and unfortunately, that negativity is spilling into everyday life. But the Bible reminds us that our words come from the heart. As Jesus said, “A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.” (Luke 6:45 NLT) He also warned, “The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.” (Matthew 12:37 NLT)

“Words, like nature, half reveal and half conceal the soul within.” – Alfred Lord Tennyson

23 Proverbs to Guide You to Wise Speech

The book of Proverbs is packed with centuries-old truths on many subjects: wisdom, morality, diligence, self-control, fear of God, kindness towards enemies, treatment of the poor, laziness, justice, and control of the tongue – to name just a few. It’s a guidebook for life, full of timeless truths about how to navigate the world with integrity and grace.

Most of the Proverbs were written by King Solomon, who ruled Israel from 970 – 931 BCE. Known for his wisdom (1 Kings 3:9-12) he wasn’t just a leader—he was a poet, philosopher, and teacher. His love for knowledge shaped words that still resonate today. Here are 23 Proverbs that speak about the importance of choosing wise words:

Proverbs 10:19 NLT
Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.

Proverbs 10:31 TLB
The good man gives wise advice, but the liar’s counsel is shunned.

Proverbs 11:9 TLB
With their words, the godless destroy their friends, 
but knowledge will rescue the righteous.

Proverbs 11:12 NLT
It is foolish to belittle one’s neighbor; a sensible person keeps quiet.

Proverbs 12:6-7 NLT
The words of the wicked are like a murderous ambush, 
but the words of the godly save lives.

Proverbs 12:13-14 NLT
The wicked are trapped by their own words, but the godly escape such trouble.
Wise words bring many benefits, and hard work brings rewards.

Proverbs 12:18-19 NLT
Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.
Truthful words stand the test of time but lies are soon exposed.

Proverbs 13:3 TLB
Self-control means controlling the tongue! A quick retort can ruin everything.

Proverbs 15:1 NLT
A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.

Proverbs 15:4 NLT
Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

Proverbs 15:28 TLB
A good man thinks before he speaks; the evil man pours
out his evil words without a thought.

Proverbs 16:24 NLT
Kind words are like honey; sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.

Proverbs 17:27-28 NLT
A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their
mouths shut, they seem intelligent.

Proverbs 18:4 TLB
A wise man’s words express deep streams of thought.

Proverbs 18:13 NLT
Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.

Proverbs 18:20 NLT
Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction.

Proverbs 18:21 NLT
The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.

Proverbs 20:15 NLT
Wise words are more valuable than much gold and many rubies.

Proverbs 21:23 NLT
Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.

Proverbs 25:18 NLT
Telling lies about others are as harmful as hitting them with an ax, wounding
them with a sword, or shooting them with a sharp arrow.

Proverbs 26:20-21 NLT
Fire goes out without wood, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops.
A quarrelsome person starts fights as easily as hot embers light charcoal
or fire lights wood.

Proverbs 29:20 NLT
There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking.

Proverbs 31:26 NLT
When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.

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Bible Color-Coding Practice: Wise Words

If you’re using a Bible color-coding system, choose a highlighter color you haven’t used yet and mark the verses from this post that speak to wise and thoughtful speech. On your color key, label this new color as “Wise Words” (or a similar phrase that fits your style) to help you easily find these insights later.

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Disclosures: Scriptures marked NLT are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW LIVING TRANSLATION
(NLT): Scriptures taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW LIVING TRANSLATION, Copyright©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Scriptures marked TLB are taken from the THE LIVING BIBLE (TLB): Scripture taken from
THE LIVING BIBLE copyright© 1971. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.,
Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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