Mouth shut

WHEN TO KEEP 

YOUR MOUTH SHUT

DON'T OPEN YOUR MOUTH:

1. In the heat of anger - Proverbs 14:17

A quick-tempered person does foolish things, and the one who devises evil schemes is hated.

2. When you don't have all of the facts - Proverbs 18:13

To answer before listening - that is folly and shame.

3. When you haven't verified the story - Deuteronomy 17:6

On the testimony of two or three witnesses a person is put to death, but no one is to be put to death on the testimony of only one witness.

4. If your words will offend a weaker brother - 1 Corinthians 8:11

So this weak brother or sister, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge.

5. If your words will be a poor reflection of the Lord or of your friends and family - 1Peter 2:22-23

He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth. When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.

6. When you are tempted to joke about sin - Proverbs 14:9

Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright.

7. When you would be ashamed of your words later - Proverbs 8:8

All the words of my mouth are just; none of them is crooked or perverse. 

8. When you are tempted to make light of holy things - Ecclesiastes 5:2

Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart, to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.

9. If your word would convey a wrong impression - Proverbs 17:27

The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.

10. If the issue if none of your business - Proverbs 14:10

Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy.

11. When you are tempted to tell an outright lie - Proverbs 4:24

Keep your mouth free of of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.

12. If your words will damage someone's reputation - Proverbs 16:27

A scoundrel plots evil, and on their lips it is like a scorching fire.

13. If your words will destroy a friendship - Proverbs 25:28

Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.

14. When you are feeling critical - James 3:9

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God's likeness.

15. If you can't speak without yelling - Proverbs 18:21

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

16. When it is time to listen - Proverbs 13:1

A wise son heeds his father's instruction, but a mocker does not respond to rebukes.

17. If you may have to eat your words later - Proverbs 18:21

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

18. If you have already more than one time (then it becomes nagging) - Proverbs 19:13

A foolish child is his father's ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like the constant dripping of a leaky roof.

19. When you are tempted to flatter a wicked person - Proverbs 24:24
Whoever says to the guilty, "You are innocent," will be cursed by peoples and denounced by nations.

20. When you are supposed to be working instead - Proverbs 14:23

All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.