Watch Your Mouth: Understanding the Power of the Tongue

by Tony Evans

Your greatest enemy is actually in your mouth. The tongue has more power to quickly destroy your life than anyone or anything else. Whether it's a harsh word spoken to your spouse, a verbal explosion to a boss, or even a social media rant, our words can be instruments of death. But, as an image bearer of Christ, your highest calling is to model with your mouth the character of God. From bestselling author Dr. Tony Evans comes a compelling resource to help you learn to tame your tongue. With life-changing insights into the power of the tongue, you'll learn what the Bible teaches about your words, uncover how you can bring blessing or cursing upon yourself or others, and develop the self-control needed to keep your tongue in check. Learn how to use your words to minister to and speak life into the world around you.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Faith, Christian Living, Self Help, Religion

208 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 2016

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Anthony Tyrone "Tony" Evans Sr. is an American evangelical pastor, speaker, author, and widely syndicated radio and television broadcaster in the United States. Between 1976 and 2024, Evans served as senior pastor at the over-9,500-member Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Texas.

Reviews

[Angela Shook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was, hands down, one of the best books I have read about the power of our words and the ripple affect they have on our lives and those around us. Tony Evans doesn't mince words, and is very direct in his teaching, with scripture after scripture referencing each point. It's not an easy book to read, but the amount of growth obtained is worth every moment spent as one examines one's own life through the pages of this book. In Genesis 1, God created with His words. Even more, He created us in His image. With that thought, Evans challenges us to really look at what we create when speak.

[Jennifer DuBose · Rating 3 out of 5]

I agree with the general message of the book - don’t be a jerk, watch what comes out of your mouth, the mouth reflects what’s in the heart. The writing was just horrible! I understand it wasn’t meant for literary prestige and is supposed to be readable by a wide variety in audience. But still! It was repetitive, formulaic, and just simple. Again, I agree with the message and it was nice to be reminded of it.

[Kati · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Does it really matter what I say?"

According to the Bible, it does. In Watch Your Mouth, Tony Evans not only says it does, but he also answers the question why it is important for us to clean up our language, and shows how powerful our tongue really is.

Dr. Evans also talks deeply about the source of our word choices, what to say and what not to say to honor God with our speech.

It is a book that ministers to the reader, encourages change, and inspires growth.

[Mannix Wilhoit · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got to hear Tony Evans speak last year and his message was so good that I had to see if he wrote any books as well. He uses many metaphors that revealed how impactful what we say is, and why it is important to watch our mouth.

I enjoyed reading the book and would recommend to others. Only reason I didn’t see it was fit for 5 stars is because it could be repetitive at times. I found most of the repetition to be useful as I needed to hear some things again! Great message. Read it!

[Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, challenging and practical. I need to listen again! (I didn’t love the Audible narrator, but got through it.) Evans reminds the reader in order to watch our mouth we must truly watch our hearts/mind.

[Tom Burkholder · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the book Watch Your Mouth, author and Pastor Tony Evans, writes about the power of our words. This is a very practical guide with great stories and illustrations.
Evans writes: “Many believers today place a high value on church attendance, spiritual activity, prayers before meals, or any number of things. But James says there is one way to determine whether you are a mature believer—by noticing what comes out of your mouth.”
I would highly recommend this book to challenge anyone speech and walk with God. I received a copy of this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Susan D Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Power of the Tongue

This book should be required reading for all Christians. We tend to make distinctions on levels of sin especially in our words but Tony Evans sets us straight on our wrong thinking and makes us face up to the many ways our words are death to others and ourselves.

[Mandisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The power of the tongue

When you realise the power that your tongue possess, you become extremely careful of how you use it. I learnt to use my tongue for good, to encourage, to speak words of love and blessing to my family . To shy away from speaking badly to those who mistreat me.

[Anyike · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book…

One of the things I had worked on was my words and how I speak but listening to this made me smile because it encouraged me that there is still room for growth!

Personally love when I find out what I can do when I know there is room for growth.

Growing and getting closer to God is truly an amazing thing. What an amazing book to listen to and ponder on, so many things to think about and ask oneself if they have saddened the Holy Spirit.

Fortunately we know how important it is to be careful what we say but Unfortunately we do not teach enough that what we say comes from the heart, so many of us tend to choose/hide how we truly speak in certain locations.

This is a book that lets one go on a journey and ponder about how they should deal with their tongue and the power of speech!

[Jonathan Beigle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tony Evans is arguably one of the best pastors in the country. He's not afraid to chase difficult issues, and the mouth of the Christian is no exception. Tony focuses on several different ways that the Christian can misuse their tongue. Unfortunately, I found that the corny chapter titles distracted me from the message of the book, but our small group had very good discussion walking through this book together.

Favorite quotes:
p. 20 - "Bridle your mouth, and the rest of you will follow."
p. 25 - "Whoever controls your tongue, controls your life - your addicitions, relationships, goals, and more."
p. 32 - "If you and God are not seeing things the same way, you must adjust to Him. God will never adjust to you."
p. 52 - "God will communicate to you so He can communicate through you and accomplish something beyond you."
p. 65 - "Prayer doesn't get God to do what He doesn't want to do. Prayer releases what God has already intended. Faith acknowledges that truth."
p. 75 - "You will never discover that God is all you need until God is all you have."
p. 156 - "The shock value is gone from our consciences...Somehow disrespect has become entertaining."

[Ameen Butler Sr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life Changing

I started watching the series on Right Now media and knew immediately I needed the book. Wow! What a treasure to the body of Christ. Learning how to utilize one of the most powerful, motivating, loving yet dangerous, demoralizing and hateful tools we have the way God designed it. I will be reading again for sure to catch even more gems to help me speak life in every area!

[Clara Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Speak life with your lips and watch life come about. When God wanted to create something, He used words. When Satan wanted to destroy something, he used words. Both of them used words in order to exercise their power." Lord, set up a guard for my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips." PS.141:3.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was excellent! As an extremely verbose person, I sometimes forget the power that the things I say have on my own life as well as the lives of others. This book was an awesome reminder that as Christians, we have to watch what we say. I also just enjoyed the cadence of his writing. Nicely put together!

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tony Evans does a thorough study of our speech and why it's important. His excellent ulcerations help to bring the subject matter home for the reader. I highly recommend reading this if you have any trouble with your speech as a Christian. It highlights areas in every aspect of your life that will touch your heart and call you to action.

[Miriam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book. Easy to understand, but practical, and focuses not only on the negative, but a large part of the book is on how our tongue should be used for good, which I found quite refreshing. Many illustrations felt unneccessary and rather flippant for such a serious subject, and personally I find the narrator of the audiobook a bit irritating.

[Lena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read with lessons and principles that are easy to apply with great examples to what not applying will do to yourself, current relationships and most importantly, your relationship with God. Highly recommend for those that want to live a life that is pleasing and glorifying to God.

[Angela Wimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liked very much

I enjoyed this book. As Christians, we tend to speak thinking that everything we say is of God. But we really do have to watch our mouths and trust God to guide us in our speech.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the best book! Definitely a must read again and what was good was that there were ways to apply what we need to do. It sure makes an impact. I so like Tony Evans and am thankful for his books!

[Ryane Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quick and easy read, but power book on the words we say. Dr. Tony Evans really laid out the importance of “watching our mouths” and how failing not to can negatively affect our relationship with Christ and each other. I throughly enjoyed the book from beginning to end. I high recommend this book to anyone who may lead with their mouth and not their heart. So good.

Key Chapters:
1. Dynamite in Your Dentures
11. Satan in Your Speech
12. Dirt in Your Discourse

[Mark Asbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

I follow Tony Evans and love his teachings. He teaches biblical principles and practical examples to help you grow in your faith. This book is great if you want to grow closer to the Lord and learn to use your tongue to glorify Him always

[Otis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe I’m bias concerning Dr. Tony Evan’s but another great addition to add to your library. Great message, powerful message with superb insights and storytelling. It really does make a difference in what you say and how you say it. Recommended. This book is a strong 4.5 to 5 star rating.

[Erinlaurel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tony Evans is a profound theologist and will step on your toes as a Christian. However, I can't get past the grammatical errors.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

highly recommend

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 - did this as a bible study. It is a great book that reminds us how our words can hurt, harm or heal. Speech is powerful for both good and bad. Plenty of Scriptural references included.

[DeeAnn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful book

I truly needed to read this book. It provided specific things to do in order for me to watch my mouth. Thanks Tony Evans for writing it.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Excellent book! Filled with scripture references of the necessity for us to speak words of truth in love; and to always God to God 1st and listen to Him before we speak.

[Jen Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good book to read again throughout your sanctification process!

[Mary Vogelsong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid Biblical advice from Tony Evans.

[Kim Brewster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful in becoming aware of the dangers of speaking freely and the harm that can come from it.

[Ashley Chabot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this. Evans has a great writing style. Content wise it’s certainly convicting and super helpful to understand more about exactly why and how our words can be used.