All of us have gotten into trouble when we opened our mouths and said something that we would later regret. Here are some Scriptures that will help us know when to keep our mouths shut!
Keep your mouth shut if you do not have all the facts or if an accusation has not been verified by the other party: “He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.” (Proverbs18:13)
Keep your mouth shut if you have not gone to the other person first:“Moreover, if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.” (Matthew 18:15) “Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame. Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another: Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.” (Proverbs 25:8-20)
Keep your mouth shut if the motive is revenge: “Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.” (I Peter 3:8-11)
Keep your mouth shut if the only intention is to bring someone down. “A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.” (Proverbs 11:13) “A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.” (Proverbs 16:28)
Keep your mouth shut in the heat of anger: “He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.” (Proverbs 14:17)
Keep your mouth shut if you are tempted to speak flippantly to God: “Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.” (Ecclesiastes 5:2)
Keep your mouth shut if you can’t speak with clarity about a matter: “He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.” (Proverbs 17:27)
Keep your mouth shut if it is not your business: “The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy.” (Proverbs 14:10)
Keep your mouth shut when you are tempted to flatter a wicked person: “He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:” (Proverbs 24:24)
Keep your mouth shut when you want to gossip: “An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.” (Proverbs 16:27) “A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.” (Proverbs 16:28) “A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.” (Proverbs 17:4) An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire. (Proverbs 16:27)
