The Importance of Remembering God and Saying Good Words According to the Torah

Speaking of God

... In all your ways acknowledge Him [Lord], and He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs, 3:6)

Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. (Joshua, 1:8)

Fix these words of Mine in your hearts and minds...Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. (Deuteronomy, 11:18-19)

My mouth is filled with Your praise, declaring Your splendor all day long. (Psalms, 71:8)

In the night I remember Your name, O Lord, and I will keep Your law. (Psalms, 119:55)

I will extol the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. My soul will boast in the Lord... Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together. (Psalms, 34:1-3)

... The law of the Lord is to be on your lips. For the Lord brought you out of Egypt with His mighty hand. (Exodus, 13:9)

No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it. (Deuteronomy, 30:14)

In that day you will say: "Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done, and proclaim that His name is exalted. Sing to the Lord, for He has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. (Isaiah, 12:4-5)

Ascribe to the Lord, O families of nations, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. (1 Chronicles, 16:28)

... O God, the God Who saves me, and my tongue will sing of Your righteousness. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise. (Psalms, 51:14-15)

The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me; His word was on my tongue. (2 Samuel, 23:2)

But I will sing of Your strength, in the morning I will sing of Your love; for You are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. O my strength, I sing praise to You; You, O God, are my fortress, my loving God. (Psalms, 59:16-17)

I cried out to Him with my mouth; His praise was on my tongue. (Psalms, 66:17)

My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to You—I, whom You have redeemed. My tongue will tell of Your righteous acts all day long... (Psalms, 71:23-24)

... May they always say, "The Lord be exalted, Who delights in the well-being of His servant." My tongue will speak of Your righteousness and of Your praises all day long. (Psalms, 35:27-28)

... For it is pleasing when you keep them [My Words] in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips. (Proverbs, 22:18)

Because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify You. I will praise You as long as I live, and in Your name I will lift up my hands... with singing lips my mouth will praise You. (Psalms, 63:3-5)

With my lips I recount all the laws that come from Your mouth. I rejoice in following Your statutes as one rejoices in great riches... May my lips overflow with praise, for You teach me Your decrees. May my tongue sing of Your word, for all Your commands are righteous. (Psalms, 119:13-14, 171-172)

... You shall read this law.... Assemble the people—men, women and children, and the aliens living in your towns—so they can listen and learn to fear the Lord your God and follow carefully all the words of this law. Their children, who do not know this law, must hear it and learn to fear the Lord your God... (Deuteronomy, 31:11-13)

... [We] will praise You forever; from generation to generation we will recount Your praise. (Psalms, 79:13)

"... My Spirit, Who is on you, and My words that I have put in your mouth will not depart from your mouth, or from the mouths of your children, or from the mouths of their descendants from this time on and forever," says the Lord. (Isaiah, 59:21)

These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. (Deuteronomy, 6:6-7)

Speaking the Truth

The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just. The law of his God is in his heart; his feet do not slip. (Psalms, 37:30-31)

Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. (Psalms, 34:12-13)

These are the things you are to do: "Speak the truth to each other... and do not love to swear falsely..." declares the Lord. (Zechariah, 8:16-17)

A truthful witness gives honest testimony, but a false witness tells lies... Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment. There is deceit in the hearts of those who plot evil, but joy for those who promote peace. No harm befalls the righteous, but the wicked have their fill of trouble. The Lord dislikes lying lips, but He delights in men who are truthful. (Proverbs, 12:17-22)

The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked. (Proverbs, 10:11)

The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out. The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse. (Proverbs, 10:31-32)

The righteous hate what is false, but the wicked bring shame and disgrace. (Proverbs, 13:5)

I said, "I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth as long as the wicked are in my presence." (Psalms, 39:1)

True instruction was in his mouth and nothing false was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and turned many from sin. (Malachi, 2:6)

... I open my lips to speak what is right. My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness. All the words of my mouth are just; none of them is crooked or perverse. To the discerning all of them are right; they are faultless to those who have knowledge. (Proverbs, 8:6-9)

A scoundrel and villain, who goes about with a corrupt mouth. (Proverbs, 6:12)

A truthful witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies. (Proverbs, 14:5)

... They take delight in lies. With their mouths they bless, but in their hearts they curse. (Psalms, 62:4)

... A malicious man disguises himself with his lips, but in his heart he harbors deceit. (Proverbs, 26:23-24)

As long as I have life within me, the breath of God in my nostrils, my lips will not speak wickedness, and my tongue will utter no deceit. (Job, 27:3-4)

Why do you boast of evil, you mighty man? Why do you boast all day long, you who are a disgrace in the eyes of God? Your tongue plots destruction; it is like a sharpened razor, you who practice deceit. You love evil rather than good, falsehood rather than speaking the truth. You love every harmful word, O you deceitful tongue! Surely God will bring you down to everlasting ruin: ... He will uproot you from the land of the living. (Psalms, 52:1-5)

Let their lying lips be silenced, for with pride and contempt they speak arrogantly against the righteous. (Psalms, 31:18)

The words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful; he has ceased to be wise and to do good. (Psalms, 36:3)

Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is the man who gives false testimony against his neighbor... As a north wind brings rain, so a sly tongue brings angry looks. (Proverbs, 25:18, 23)

A lying tongue hates those it hurts...(Proverbs, 26:28)

Save me, O Lord, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues. (Psalms, 120:2)

... Your lips have spoken lies, and your tongue mutters wicked things. No one calls for justice; no one pleads his case with integrity. They rely on empty arguments and speak lies; they conceive trouble and give birth to evil. (Isaiah, 59:3-4)

Friend deceives friend, and no one speaks the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they weary themselves with sinning... Their tongue is a deadly arrow; it speaks with deceit. With his mouth each speaks cordially to his neighbor, but in his heart he sets a trap for him. (Jeremiah, 9:5, 8)

You use your mouth for evil and harness your tongue to deceit. (Psalms, 50:19)

Whose mouths are full of lies, whose right hands are deceitful. (Psalms, 144:8)

He who conceals his hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool. (Proverbs, 10:18)

The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value. The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of judgment. (Proverbs, 10:20-21)

He who walks righteously and speaks what is right... This is the man who will dwell on the heights, whose refuge will be the mountain fortress. His bread will be supplied, and water will not fail him. (Isaiah, 33:15-16)

These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other... (Zechariah, 8:16)

Speaking Wisely and Concisely

The words of a man's mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. (Proverbs, 18:4)

The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction... A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction. (Proverbs, 16:21, 23)

King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth. The whole world sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart. (1 Kings, 10:23-24)

A fool shows his annoyance at once... Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Proverbs, 12:16, 18)

A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself, but the heart of fools blurts out folly. (Proverbs, 12:23)

A fool's talk brings a rod to his back, but the lips of the wise protect them. (Proverbs, 14:3)

The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. (Proverbs, 15:2)

The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools. (Proverbs, 15:7)

A man finds joy in giving an apt reply and how good is a timely word! (Proverbs, 15:23)

Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment. Wise men store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin. (Proverbs, 10:13-14)

A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue. (Proverbs, 11:12)

A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered. Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue. (Proverbs, 17:27-28)

An unfriendly man pursues selfish ends; he defies all sound judgment. A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions. (Proverbs, 18:1-2)

Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel. (Proverbs, 20:15)

He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin. (Proverbs, 13:3)

God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. Solomon's wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the men of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. He was wiser than any other man... Men of all nations came to listen to Solomon's wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom. (1 Kings, 4:29-34)

Avoiding Evil Words and Speaking Truthfully

The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. (Proverbs, 15:4)

Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. (Proverbs, 16:24)

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs, 15:1)

Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone. (Proverbs, 25:15)

An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up. (Proverbs, 12:25)

... I have resolved that my mouth will not sin. (Psalms, 17:3)

His mouth is full of curses and lies and threats; trouble and evil are under his tongue. (Psalms, 10:7)

[They] devise evil plans in their hearts and stir up war every day. They make their tongues as sharp as a serpent's; the poison of vipers is on their lips. (Psalms, 140:2-3)

With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous escape... Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed. (Proverbs, 11:9, 11)

They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their words like deadly arrows. They shoot from ambush at the innocent man; they shoot at him suddenly, without fear... He will turn their own tongues against them and bring them to ruin. (Psalms, 64:3-4, 8)

The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil. (Proverbs, 15:28)

A wicked man listens to evil lips; a liar pays attention to a malicious tongue. (Proverbs, 17:4)

... And he [Joseph] reassured them and spoke kindly to them. (Genesis, 50:21)

My heart is stirred by a noble theme... My tongue is the pen of a skillful writer. (Psalms, 45:1)

Preaching Goodness and Forbidding Evil

Do not hate your brother in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in his guilt. (Leviticus, 19:17)

She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. (Proverbs, 31:26)

A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. (Proverbs, 12:26)

Do not be like your forefathers, to whom the earlier Prophets proclaimed: This is what the Lord Almighty says: "Turn from your evil ways and your evil practices." But they would not listen or pay attention to Me, declares the Lord. (Zechariah, 1:4)

And [Lot] said, "No, my friends. Don't do this wicked thing." (Genesis, 19:7)

Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you... (Exodus, 18:19)

... "No, my friends, don't be so vile... don't do this disgraceful thing... But to this man, don't do such a disgraceful thing." (Judges, 19:23-24)

There is deceit in the hearts of those who plot evil, but joy for those who promote peace. (Proverbs, 12:20)

... forsaking Me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you... but warn them solemnly... (1 Samuel, 8:8-9)

[David:] Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. (Psalms, 34:14)

[Job:] But my mouth would encourage you; comfort from my lips would bring you relief. (Job, 16:5)

Avoiding Idle Talk

All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. (Proverbs, 14:23)

... and not doing as you please or speaking idle words, then you will find your joy in the Lord. (Isaiah, 58:13-14)

Would a wise man answer with empty notions or fill his belly with the hot east wind? Would he argue with useless words, with speeches that have no value? (Job, 15:2-3)

Therefore thus said the Lord God; "Because you have spoken vanity, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you," said the Lord God. (Ezekiel, 13:8)

... Why then this meaningless talk? (Job, 27:12)

... He speaks vanity: His heart gathers iniquity to itself; when he goes abroad, he tells it... (Psalms, 41:6)

... They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, idolatries and the delusions of their own minds. (Jeremiah, 14:14)

So how can you console me with your nonsense? Nothing is left of your answers but falsehood! (Job, 21:34)

Avoiding Gossip

A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends. (Proverbs, 16:28)

Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down. As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife. (Proverbs, 26:20-22)

A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much. (Proverbs, 20:19)

A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret. (Proverbs, 11:13)

Do not go about spreading slander among your people. Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor's life. I am the Lord. (Leviticus, 19:16)

They are all hardened rebels, going about with slanders. They are bronze and iron; they all act corruptly... the Lord has rejected them. (Jeremiah, 6:28, 30)

Other Forms of Speech Recommended

Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth. Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips. (Proverbs, 27:1-2)

Do not keep talking so proudly or let your mouth speak such arrogance, for the Lord is a God Who knows, and by Him deeds are weighed. (1 Samuel, 2:3)

He who answers before listening—that is his folly and his shame. (Proverbs, 18:13)

He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. (Proverbs, 17:9)

... and a flattering mouth works ruin. (Proverbs, 26:28)

A fool's lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating. A fool's mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul. (Proverbs, 18:6-7)

From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him. (Proverbs, 12:14)

From the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good things, but the unfaithful have a craving for violence. (Proverbs, 13:2)

But you even undermine piety and hinder devotion to God. Your sin prompts your mouth; you adopt the tongue of the crafty. Your own mouth condemns you, not mine; your own lips testify against you. (Job, 15:4-6)

An evil man is trapped by his sinful talk, but a righteous man escapes trouble. (Proverbs, 12:13)

May the Lord cut off all flattering lips and every boastful tongue that says, "We will triumph with our tongues; we own our lips—who is our master?" (Psalms, 12:3-4)