Just before Christmas we heard about Zechariah, the Father of John the Baptist, who was stricken mute until the birth of John. That was a great lesson for Zechariah after having spoken imprudently in response to the message of the Archangel. Here are some Biblical verses to give us counsel about when it is better to keep silent.
Don’t open your mouth:
- In the heat of anger – Proverbs 14:17
- When you don’t have all the facts- Proverbs 18:13
- When you haven’t verified the story- Deuteronomy 17:6
- If your words will offend a weaker person- 1 Corinthians 8:11
- When it is time to listen- Proverbs 13:1
- When you are tempted to make light of holy things- Ecclesiastes 5:2
- When you are tempted to joke about sin- Proverbs 14:9
- If you would be ashamed of your words later- Proverbs 8:8
- If your words would convey the wrong impression- Proverbs 17:27
- If the issue is none of your business- Proverbs 14:10
- When you are tempted to tell an outright lie- Proverbs 4:24
- If your words will damage someone else’s reputation- Proverbs 16:27
- If your words will damage a friendship- Proverbs 16:28
- When you are feeling critical- James 3:9
- If you can’t say it without screaming it- Proverbs 25:28
- If your words will be a poor reflection of the Lord or your friends and family – Peter 2:21-23
- If you may have to eat your words later- Proverbs 18:21
- If you have already said it more than one time- Proverbs 19:13
- When you are tempted to flatter a wicked person- Proverbs 24:24
- When you are supposed to be working instead- Proverbs 14:23
“Whoever guards his mouth & tongue keeps his soul from troubles” – Proverbs 21:23