Wow.
Such a simple question to ask.
However, as I dug into it I found myself convicted of my own sin. Without question today's touched me personally to the core of my heart.
A book could easily be written on this topic and still not say everything.
I would encourage everyone to read through these 90 verses dealing with the tongue being mightier than a sword.
What Does the Bible Say About Our Tongue Being Mightier Than A Sword?
Here are 3 categories I pulled forward from this list. This is by no means an exhaustive answer to your question.
Sword of Man
Psalm 64:3 (KJV) - Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words:
Proverbs 5:4 (KJV) - But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.
Proverbs 12:18 (KJV) - There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
Sword of Word
Ephesians 6:17 (KJV) - And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Hebrews 4:12 (KJV) - For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Sword of Revelation
Revelation 1:16 (KJV) - And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
Revelation 2:16 (KJV) - Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
Revelation 19:15 (KJV) - And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
In the above verses, I believe it becomes clear that the sword being spoken of is what comes out of one's mouth or lips. Chiefly, the tongue.
I once held a study here at my home with some that I perceived to be close friends. A contention arose within the group that was directed at me based on another's disagreement with the thoughts I was bringing forward.
Suddenly I found myself being screamed at that I was wrong. Truth is I might even have been such but the unexpected verbal assault caught me seriously off guard and instead of responding back with peace and gentleness I met the sword being wielded with my own sword.
To my credit, I removed myself from the room but not for long as I returned and ended up throwing the perpetrator out of my dwelling. We attempted to reconcile but instead, our swords classed again and this ended up dividing our small group permanently.
There are times when my heart pains over the loss of the connection which my wife and I so enjoyed but what was now is no more.
I could here position myself in the right but that would make no difference to the heart of the matter. The tongue is indeed a sword that can bring great pain and hurt or healing and hope.
How many times I have used my sword carelessly. I am sure that I am not alone. Then there are other times my sword has been used correctly and it has brought health and healing.
One such time came just recently when I had the opportunity to use my sword in prayer over a struggling marriage. May I this day encourage you and me to learn to use the tongue to bring health and healing rather than death and destruction.
It should be noted that the sword is not necessarily that which comes out of one's mouth as the words you read here can either cut down or build up.
I choose to focus on building up as best I can. Won't you join me with your own sword?
Proverbs 16:24 (KJV) - Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.