Have you ever said something and then later wish you hadn’t? Here is some wisdom on when it is good to be silent.
1. Be silent and control yourself in the heat of anger
Short-tempered people do foolish things
Proverbs 14:17
2. Be silent when you don’t have all the facts
Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish. Proverbs 18:13
3. Be silent and don’t make judgements until you have heard both sides of the story
The first one to plead his case seems right,
Until another comes and cross-examines him. Proverbs 18:17
4. Be silent if your words or actions will offend a weaker person
You must be careful so that your freedom does not cause others with a weaker conscience to stumble. I Corinthians 8:11
5. Be silent when it is time to listen
A mocker refuses to listen to correction. Proverbs 13:1
6. Be silent when you are tempted to make rash vows or comments to God
Do not be hasty with your mouth [speaking careless words or vows] or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter before God. For God is in heaven and you are on earth; therefore let your words be few. Ecclesiastes 5:2
7. Be silent when you are tempted to joke about sin
Fools make fun of guilt, but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation. Proverbs 14:9
8. Be silent if you would be ashamed of your words later
Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles. Proverbs 21:23
9. Be silent if your words would convey the wrong message
He who has knowledge restrains and is careful with his words. Proverbs 17:27
10. Be silent if the issue is none of your business
Interfering in someone else’s argument
is as foolish as yanking a dog’s ears. Proverbs 26:17
11. Be silent when you are tempted to tell an outright lie
Put away from you a deceitful (lying, misleading) mouth, and put devious lips far from you. Proverbs 4:24
12. Be silent if your words will damage someone else’s reputation
A worthless man devises and digs up evil, And the words on his lips are like a scorching fire. Proverbs 16:27
13. Be silent if your words will damage a friendship
A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends. Proverbs 16:28
14. Be silent when you are feeling critical
Sometimes it (our tongue) praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. James 3:9
15. Be silent if your words will be a poor reflection of the Lord or your friends and family.
Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you may follow in His footsteps. He committed no sin, nor was deceit ever found in His mouth. While being reviled and insulted, He did not revile or insult in return. I Peter 2:21-23
16. Be silent if you may have to eat your words later
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words. Proverbs 18:21
17. Be silent if you have are constantly repeating the same thing
A quarrelsome wife is as annoying as constant dripping. Proverbs 19:13
18. Be silent when you are tempted to flatter a wicked person
He who says to the wicked, “You are righteous,” Peoples will curse him. Proverbs 24:24
19. Be silent when you are supposed to be working instead
Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty! Proverbs 14:23
20. Be silent when you are tempted to make fun of your neighbour
It is a sin to belittle one’s neighbor. Proverbs 14:21
21. Be silent when you want to hear from God
Be still, and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10
