What Does the Bible Say About Friends Hurtful Words?

James 1:26 ESV / 14 helpful votes

If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.

Psalm 19:14 ESV / 14 helpful votes

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

2 Timothy 1:7 ESV / 13 helpful votes

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Proverbs 21:23 ESV / 13 helpful votes

Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.

Proverbs 12:18 ESV / 12 helpful votes

There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Psalm 34:18 ESV / 12 helpful votes

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

Proverbs 15:1 ESV / 11 helpful votes

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 18:21 ESV / 10 helpful votes

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

John 16:33 ESV / 9 helpful votes

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Matthew 18:15 ESV / 9 helpful votes

“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.

Proverbs 17:9 ESV / 9 helpful votes

Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.

James 1:19 ESV / 8 helpful votes

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;

1 Corinthians 13:1-13 ESV / 8 helpful votes

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; ...

Romans 12:14 ESV / 8 helpful votes

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.

1 Corinthians 15:33 ESV / 7 helpful votes

Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”

James 3:1-18 ESV / 6 helpful votes

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! ...

Proverbs 17:27 ESV / 6 helpful votes

Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.

Proverbs 16:24 ESV / 6 helpful votes

Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

Psalm 64:3 ESV / 6 helpful votes

Who whet their tongues like swords, who aim bitter words like arrows,

Ephesians 4:29 ESV / 5 helpful votes

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Matthew 6:14 ESV / 5 helpful votes

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you,

Psalm 141:3 ESV / 5 helpful votes

Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!

Genesis 50:20 ESV / 5 helpful votes

As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.

Philippians 4:6 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

John 14:27 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Mark 4:1-41 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Again he began to teach beside the sea. And a very large crowd gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat in it on the sea, and the whole crowd was beside the sea on the land. And he was teaching them many things in parables, and in his teaching he said to them: “Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it. Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and immediately it sprang up, since it had no depth of soil. ...

Ecclesiastes 3:1 ESV / 4 helpful votes

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

Proverbs 27:6 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.

Proverbs 15:4 ESV / 4 helpful votes

A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

Proverbs 12:25 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.

2 Corinthians 6:14 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?

Romans 12:19 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”

Romans 8:28 ESV / 3 helpful votes

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

John 3:16-17 ESV / 3 helpful votes

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Mark 8:38 ESV / 3 helpful votes

For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

Jeremiah 29:11 ESV / 3 helpful votes

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Proverbs 31:28 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

Proverbs 11:9 ESV / 3 helpful votes

With his mouth the godless man would destroy his neighbor, but by knowledge the righteous are delivered.

Psalm 119:105 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Psalm 51:10 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

Revelation 21:8 ESV / 2 helpful votes

But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”

Hebrews 13:5 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Hebrews 12:14 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.

Philippians 4:13 ESV / 2 helpful votes

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Philippians 3:10 ESV / 2 helpful votes

That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

Romans 3:13-14 ESV / 2 helpful votes

“Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive.” “The venom of asps is under their lips.” “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.”

John 8:44 ESV / 2 helpful votes

You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

Mark 3:1-35 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Again he entered the synagogue, and a man was there with a withered hand. And they watched Jesus, to see whether he would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse him. And he said to the man with the withered hand, “Come here.” And he said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent. And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored. ...

Matthew 11:28 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 6:33 ESV / 2 helpful votes

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Ecclesiastes 3:7 ESV / 2 helpful votes

A time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

Proverbs 25:23 ESV / 2 helpful votes

The north wind brings forth rain, and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.

Proverbs 25:18 ESV / 2 helpful votes

A man who bears false witness against his neighbor is like a war club, or a sword, or a sharp arrow.

Proverbs 19:5 ESV / 2 helpful votes

A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will not escape.

Proverbs 18:13 ESV / 2 helpful votes

If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.

Proverbs 18:8 ESV / 2 helpful votes

The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.

Proverbs 16:28 ESV / 2 helpful votes

A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.

Proverbs 16:27 ESV / 2 helpful votes

A worthless man plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.

Proverbs 11:13 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.

Proverbs 1:7 ESV / 2 helpful votes

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Exodus 20:12 ESV / 2 helpful votes

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

Exodus 20:1-26 ESV / 2 helpful votes

And God spoke all these words, saying, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. “You shall have no other gods before me. “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, ...

Genesis 1:21 ESV / 2 helpful votes

So God created the great sea creatures and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarm, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.

63 Bible Verses about Friends Hurtful Words

James 1:26 ESV / 14 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Psalm 19:14 ESV / 14 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Timothy 1:7 ESV / 13 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 21:23 ESV / 13 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 12:18 ESV / 12 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Psalm 34:18 ESV / 12 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 15:1 ESV / 11 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 18:21 ESV / 10 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 16:33 ESV / 9 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 18:15 ESV / 9 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 17:9 ESV / 9 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

James 1:19 ESV / 8 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Corinthians 13:1-13 ESV / 8 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 12:14 ESV / 8 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Corinthians 15:33 ESV / 7 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

James 3:1-18 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 17:27 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 16:24 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Psalm 64:3 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ephesians 4:29 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 6:14 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Psalm 141:3 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Genesis 50:20 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Philippians 4:6 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 14:27 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Mark 4:1-41 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ecclesiastes 3:1 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 27:6 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 15:4 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 12:25 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Corinthians 6:14 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 12:19 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 8:28 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 3:16-17 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Mark 8:38 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Jeremiah 29:11 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 31:28 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 11:9 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Psalm 119:105 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Psalm 51:10 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Revelation 21:8 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Hebrews 13:5 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Hebrews 12:14 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Philippians 4:13 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Philippians 3:10 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 3:13-14 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 8:44 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Mark 3:1-35 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 11:28 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 6:33 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ecclesiastes 3:7 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 25:23 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 25:18 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 19:5 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 18:13 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 18:8 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 16:28 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 16:27 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 11:13 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 1:7 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Exodus 20:12 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Exodus 20:1-26 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Genesis 1:21 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

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