Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)

The tongue has the power of life and death,

and those who love it will eat its fruit.

James 3:5-12 (NIV)

Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider

what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of

evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of

one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been

tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of

deadly poison.

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who

have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My

brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from

the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear

figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

Proverbs 10:11 (ESV)

The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,

but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.

Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV)

Search me, God, and know my heart;

test me and know my anxious thoughts.

See if there is any offensive way in me,

and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 19:14 (ESV)

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart

be acceptable in your sight,

O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.