What does the Bible say about the tongue?

The Bible emphasizes the significance of the tongue as an indicator of the heart's condition, notably in passages like James 1:26, where it states that a man who does not bridle his tongue deceives himself. Jesus' observation that 'out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks' (Matthew 12:34) underlines the principle that our speech reveals our innermost thoughts and spiritual state. Thus, the government of the tongue is an essential aspect of a believer's life, reflecting their relationship with God and their commitment to sincerity in faith.

When believers are touched by saving grace, the expectation is that their tongue will be brought under control. The Apostle James presents a searching criterion for sincerity in faith: if a person claims to be religious yet fails in his speech, his profession is worthless (James 1:26). This reality stresses that true Christian character is evidenced by the way one speaks about God, oneself, and others; grace is expected to regulate the tongue and promote edifying discourse that aligns with the principles of truth, love, and purity.