Do you struggle with saying too much or saying the wrong things or speaking when you probably shouldn’t? With the way things are in the world, sometimes it’s hard to bite your tongue and keep quiet. Today, we’ll look at 10 scriptures confirming that sometimes it’s best to keep your mouth shut.
Your Tongue is Powerful
Do you realize how powerful the tongue is? Proverbs 18:21 tells us that “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” This means that the words you speak have the power to tear down or lift up. Too often we fail to remember the power our words hold.
(To Learn More About the Power of Your Words, Click Here)
We’ve all been in situations where we open our mouth and ultimately end up sticking our foot in it. It reminds me of a short prayer that I frequently utter when faced with these types of situations:
“Lord, please keep Your arm around my shoulder and Your hand over my mouth.”
We may not agree with what others are saying, but we don’t always have to say exactly what we’re thinking and feeling at all times.
Before Your Speak, Ask Yourself…
A good rule of thumb when confronted with the decision whether to say something or keep your mouth shut is to ask yourself these four questions before you speak:
- Is what I’m about to say necessary to the conversation at hand?
- Are my comments timely and really need to be said right now in this particular situation?
- Will my words glorify God?
- Is what I’m about to say going to change anything if I say it?
By asking yourself these questions, you give yourself a chance to pause and reflect on how your words may affect the outcome of what you intend to say. I know it’s hard, but sometimes it’s just best to keep your mouth shut or think before you speak.
Where Does the Bible Say to Keep Your Mouth Shut?
The Bible is our instruction book on how to live a life that’s pleasing to God. Included in these Biblical instructions are when to keep your mouth shut. In fact, the Bible doesn’t just give generalities on the subject, it gives examples of situations where the best reply is no reply at all.
10 Instances Where the Bible Says to Keep Your Mouth Shut
Although there are many scriptures that discuss when and how you should speak, today we will cover 10 circumstances where the Bible tells us to keep our mouths shut. These instructions are not to keep you from defending yourself or standing up for what’s right. If you understand the scriptures, they are instructions that in the end are meant for your protection.
Keep your mouth shut when…
1. You don’t have all the facts
If you don’t have all the facts of a situation, how can you make any valid points? Proverbs 18:13 tells us that “He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him.” Until you have all the information it’s best to stay quiet or you will end up looking like a fool.
2. You are entrusted to keep a secret
Proverbs 11:13 says that “A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.” If you have made a promise to keep a secret that someone shared with you, keep that person’s secret to yourself. In fact, consider yourself blessed to be trusted by someone who thinks so highly of you that you would keep their matter private.
3. Your words will harm others
If you know that you are going to say something that will cause pain or have a negative effect on someone, just don’t say it. Proverbs 16:27 reminds us that “An ungodly man digs up evil, and it is on his lips like a burning fire.” This verse is a reminder to be aware of the impact words have on others and to think before speaking. Don’t let your lips burn to speak something that will hurt another person.
4. You are tempted to lie
Telling lies is never okay. In fact, Psalm 34:13 tells us to “Keep your tongue from evil,
and your lips from speaking deceit.” Lying is a form of evil that hurts not only the person you are lying to, but has personal negative implications as well. One lie usually turns into another and another…
5. You are supposed to be listening
There comes a time when your only job is to listen. Proverbs 13:1 says that “A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.” During these times there is no need to argue or try to prove a point, just listen to what you are being told, take it in and learn from it.
6. Your words could turn into nagging
You don’t have to consistently berate someone with your words. Giving constant reminders over and over again will most certainly lead to negative outcomes. Proverbs 19:13 tells us that “A foolish son is the ruin of his father, and the contentions of a wife are a continual dripping.” There are better ways to handle getting your point across and nagging is not one of them.
7. You are inclined to joke about sin
Sin is no joke and making light of it is standing on dangerous ground. Proverbs 14:9 makes this point clear: “Fools mock at sin, but among the upright there is favor.” Always take sin seriously because it seriously leads to spiritual death.
8. You have the tendency to speak without thinking
Ecclesiastes 5:2 says “Do not be rash with your mouth and let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; Therefore, let your words be few.” This verse is a great reminder that it is foolish to speak too much, even in the presence of God. When we talk too much we usually end up sounding like fools. Don’t ramble on about this and that, just say what needs to be said and move on.
9. You are enticed to flatter a wicked person
I realize that we want to be kind to others, and we should be. However, in Proverbs 24:24 we read these words, “He who says to the wicked, “You are righteous,” Him the people will curse; Nations will abhor him.” This verse is saying that in a moral society wickedness should be shunned and called out, not praised and celebrated. We can never accept wickedness and evil, let alone flatter it with praise. If you won’t call it out, it’s best to say nothing at all.
10. Your words will not be wholesome
In Ephesians 4:29 the Apostle Paul warns us: “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” “Corrupt” words include obscenities, vulgarity, slander, gossip, and insults (just to name a few). If your words are not going to glorify God, edify others or send a positive message, just don’t say anything at all…Keep your mouth shut!
(How Are You Feeling? There’s a Scripture for That)
Final Thoughts
Our words are powerful. Again, our tongues hold the power of life and death. We should all watch our mouths and be careful of the things we say. It’s always best to think before you speak (or send that email or text). Take a deep breath and pause. Don’t forget, once you say something you can never take it back.
Also, at the same time, be careful who you listen to. Be cautious of those who are first to spread gossip or call you to say, “did you hear about so and so…?” Keep those people at arm’s length. Remember, if they’re talking about someone else to you, they’re probably talking about you to someone else.
Finally, what you say and the way you speak is a reflection of what’s in your heart. Jesus said in Matthew 12:34 “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” Our words really do reveal what’s in our heart. If there are good and holy things in our hearts, others will see these good and holy things in our actions and hear them in our words. Likewise, if there are deceitful and wicked things in our hearts, well, that will be revealed in our words and actions as well.
Blessings,
Amy
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Please feel free to share your insights, experiences or questions in the comments section at the bottom of the page.
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