March 17, 2025
Linda Brown
Words are powerful.
They can build up or tear down, encourage or wound, bring life or cause destruction.
The Bible speaks often about the impact of our words, warning us to be careful with what we say.
In a world where speaking without thinking has become common, God’s Word reminds us that every word we speak matters.
Jesus Himself said in Matthew 12:36, “But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.”
That is a serious warning.
Our words carry weight, and God calls us to use them wisely.
But what kinds of words does the Bible warn us not to say?
Are there certain things we should avoid speaking?
Here are five types of words the Bible cautions against and why they are so dangerous.
Words of Gossip and Slander
Gossip and slander are some of the most dangerous types of speech, yet they often go unnoticed in everyday conversation.
What starts as a casual discussion about someone else can quickly turn into words that damage reputations, destroy trust, and spread false information.
The Bible strongly warns against gossip and slander, showing how harmful they can be to both the speaker and the person being spoken about.
Proverbs 16:28 says, “A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”
Gossip is not just meaningless chatter—it has the power to break relationships and create division.
When people gossip, they often assume they are just “sharing information,” but in reality, they are spreading something that may not be true or that is not theirs to share.
Once words are spoken, they cannot be taken back.
Even if the information is accurate, speaking negatively about someone behind their back is not God-honoring.
Slander goes a step further than gossip.
It involves intentionally saying things that harm another person’s reputation.
Psalm 101:5 says, “Whoever slanders their neighbor in secret, I will put to silence.”
God does not take slander lightly because it is a direct attack on someone’s character.
It distorts the truth and spreads negativity rather than love.
Jesus teaches that what comes out of our mouths reflects the condition of our hearts (Matthew 12:34-35).
If we constantly speak badly about others, it reveals that something in our hearts needs to change.
Instead of participating in gossip, the Bible calls us to use our words to encourage and build others up.
Ephesians 4:29 says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
The next time you are tempted to share gossip or speak negatively about someone, ask yourself: Is this honoring to God?
Does this build up or tear down?
If the answer is not good, it’s better to remain silent.
Words of Lying and Deception
Lying and deception are among the most damaging forms of speech, yet they are also some of the most common.
People lie for different reasons—to avoid trouble, to impress others, to manipulate situations, or even just out of habit.
But no matter how small a lie may seem, the Bible is clear that lying is a sin with serious consequences.
Proverbs 12:22 states, “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”
This verse shows that lying is not just a minor offense—it is something that God detests.
Why?
Because lies destroy trust, create confusion, and lead people away from the truth.
One of the most well-known biblical warnings about lying comes from the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:16: “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.”
This command is not just about lying in a courtroom—it applies to everyday life.
Lies, no matter how small, cause harm.
They mislead people, break relationships, and create a false reality that leads to further deception.
Satan himself is called the “father of lies” in John 8:44.
When we lie, we align ourselves with deception rather than truth.
Jesus, on the other hand, declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).
As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect His truth in all we say and do.
Lying not only hurts others, but it also affects our own spiritual health.
It distances us from God and creates a cycle where one lie leads to another.
Ephesians 4:25 instructs, “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.”
Telling the truth, even when it is difficult, strengthens character and builds trust.
If you have struggled with lying, it is never too late to change.
Repentance and seeking God’s help can break the habit of deception.
By committing to honesty, you choose a path that honors God and leads to lasting peace.
Words of Anger and Hatred
Anger is a natural human emotion, but the words spoken in anger can cause deep and lasting harm.
When anger takes control, it leads to words that wound, divide, and create bitterness.
The Bible warns against allowing anger to dictate our speech, because uncontrolled anger often results in sinful behavior.
James 1:19-20 says, “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
This verse highlights the danger of speaking in anger—our words, when fueled by frustration, rarely reflect God’s righteousness.
Instead of bringing peace, angry words escalate conflicts and cause damage that is difficult to repair.
Proverbs 15:1 reminds us, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
When we respond to situations with words of anger, we add fuel to the fire.
Even if our frustration is justified, speaking harshly or lashing out does not solve the problem—it only makes it worse.
Hatred is even more dangerous than anger, as it poisons the heart and leads to destructive speech.
1 John 3:15 states, “Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.”
Hatred does not just harm the person it is directed toward—it also destroys the one who carries it.
Jesus called His followers to a higher standard, saying in Matthew 5:44, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Instead of speaking words of anger or hatred, we are called to use our words to bring healing and reconciliation.
This does not mean ignoring injustice or allowing others to mistreat us, but it does mean responding with wisdom, patience, and love.
If you struggle with angry speech, ask God for help in controlling your words.
Pray for patience and wisdom before responding in heated situations.
Choosing to speak with love instead of anger can transform relationships and reflect Christ’s character in your life.
Words of Complaining and Negativity
Complaining and negativity can seem harmless, but they have a powerful effect on both the speaker and those who hear them.
A constant habit of complaining creates an atmosphere of discontent, making it harder to see the blessings God has given.
The Bible warns against this type of speech because it reflects an ungrateful heart and weakens faith.
Philippians 2:14-15 says, “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.”
Complaining is not just about voicing frustrations—it is a sign of distrust in God’s provision.
The Israelites in the Old Testament provide a clear example of this.
Despite witnessing miracles, they repeatedly complained against God, doubting His care for them.
Numbers 14:27 records God’s response: “How long will this wicked community grumble against me?
I have heard the complaints of these grumbling Israelites.”
Their negativity led to unnecessary suffering and delayed their blessings.
Negativity is contagious.
When we constantly speak words of discouragement, it influences others to do the same.
Proverbs 18:21 states, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
What we say affects not only our own outlook but also the attitudes of those around us.
Instead of complaining, the Bible encourages gratitude.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 instructs, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
This does not mean ignoring hardships, but rather shifting focus to God’s faithfulness.
If you catch yourself complaining often, try replacing complaints with praise.
Instead of dwelling on what is wrong, speak about what is good.
A heart of gratitude changes not only your words but also your entire perspective.
Words of Cursing and Taking God’s Name in Vain
Cursing has become so common in today’s world that many people don’t think twice about it.
From casual conversation to movies, music, and social media, profanity is everywhere.
But the Bible warns that our words should reflect godliness, not the careless speech of the world.
Ephesians 4:29 states, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
This verse reminds us that our speech should be uplifting, not corrupt.
Cursing often comes from frustration, anger, or habit, but every word we speak has meaning and influence.
Jesus said in Matthew 12:36, “But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.”
If God takes our words seriously, so should we.
Another way people dishonor God with their speech is by taking His name in vain.
Exodus 20:7 gives this as one of the Ten Commandments: “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.”
Using God’s name casually, as an exclamation or curse, is not something to be overlooked.
His name is holy and should be treated with the reverence it deserves.
Taking God’s name in vain is not just about swearing—it’s also about using His name carelessly, making promises in His name that we do not keep, or speaking about Him without the respect He is due.
Instead of using words carelessly, we should aim to speak in a way that honors God.
If cursing or misusing God’s name has been a struggle, ask for His help in changing your speech.
Speaking with purity and reverence reflects a heart that seeks to glorify Him.
Final Thoughts
The Bible makes it clear that our words have power.
Gossip, lying, anger, complaining, cursing, and taking God’s name in vain are all speech habits that can damage our faith, harm others, and distance us from God.
But God does not leave us without help—He gives us His Word as a guide, and His Spirit to transform our hearts.