The book of James in your Bible was originally a letter, but its content and topics also display characteristics of Jewish wisdom literature, like the book of Proverbs. The topic of speech wasn’t only a favorite of James, but also of the writers of Proverbs. They both emphasize the power of words, to give life or bring death, to heal or to destroy, and to show oneself as wise and righteous or foolish and wicked.

As we consider James’ warnings in chapter 3 about words, Proverbs about speech can teach us some additional truths that James also believed about speech:

Proverbs

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

2 // Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues. (Proverbs 10:19)

3 // The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of sense. (Proverbs 10:21)

4 // From the mouth of the righteous comes the fruit of wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be silenced. (Proverbs 10:31)

5 // Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue. (Proverbs 11:12)

6 // Evildoers are trapped by their sinful talk, and so the innocent escape trouble. (Proverbs 12:13)

7 // The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Proverbs 12:18)

8 // Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up. (Proverbs 12:25)

9 // Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin. (Proverbs 13:3)

10 // A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them. (Proverbs 14:3)

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

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

13 // The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. (Proverbs 15:4)

14 // A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word! (Proverbs 15:23)

15 // The Lord detests the thoughts of the wicked, but gracious words are pure in his sight. (Proverbs 15:26)

16 // The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction. (Proverbs 16:21)

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

18 // Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues. (Proverbs 17:28)

19 // The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. (Proverbs 18:21)

20 // Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity. (Proverbs 21:23)