Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the doors of my lips. - Psalm 141:3
Here are just ten times you should remain silent as a Christian:
In the Heat of Anger
"Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires." - James 1:19-20. God's Holy Word warns us to control our anger. When we are angry, we are more likely to say and do things that we will regret later. When you feel your emotions getting the best of you, stop what you are doing, walk away, and take several deep breaths. Remember we are ambassaor's of Jesus Christ and we are to represent both the Father and the Son in faith and righteousness at all times.
When You Can't Speak Without Yelling
If you feel that you have to yell in order to be heard, then it is time to stop the conversation and walk away. "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." - Proverbs 15:1.
If Your Words Will Hurt or Offend a Weaker Person
"The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." - Proverbs 12:8. Your words can either build someone up, or tear them down. Someone who is already struggling with something or has low self esteem could be mortally wounded by your words. At the same time, your words could give someone hope and life when there seems to be no hope at all.
To Avoid Gossip
"A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much." - Proverbs 20:19. The Holy Bible has made it clear through countless verses that we are to avoid gossip, mind our own business, and avoid being a meddling busy body. Instead we should be focused on living a quiet life and doing constructive things with our own hands so that we will win the respect of outsiders and not depend on anyone else (1 Thess 4:11).
When Tempted to Lie
"The Lord detests lying lips, but He delights in people who are trustworthy." - Proverbs 12:22. The Word of God has made it clear that we are not to lie, but sometimes we might find ourselves in special situations where we might feel compelled to lie in order to protect someone or to avoid hurting someone else's feelings. During these times we need to rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us. For instance, in the book of Joshua, Rahab the prostitute lied and used "necessary deception" to protect the Israelite spies and God later blessed her for it. However, some say that she was blessed because of her faith in God and not because she lied.
While Someone Else is Speaking
"To answer before listening -- that is folly and shame." - Proverbs 18:13. It's not only rude to interrupt someone when they are speaking, but the Holy Bible tells us it is also foolish and brings us shame. When we listen before we speak, it allows us to fully understand the other person's perspective, needs, and concerns. This can help us to have more effective communication, stronger relationships, and a better ability to respond thoughtfully. It shows respect to ourselves and to others.
If Your Words Will Damage a Reputation or Cause Harm to Someone
"A false witness will perish, but a careful listener will testify successfully." - Proverbs 21:28. Bearing false witness is not only considered unethical and morally wrong, but it is also a serious sin and breaks the Ninth Commandment: "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor." - Exodus 20:16. Lying against someone in any situation could cause them serious harm and ruin their reputation for life. And as disciples of Jesus Christ, we should always seek to speak with honesty and with truth. Just as our Savior Jesus did.
When Tempted to Joke About Sin
"Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving." - Epesians 5:4. Since studying the Holy Word of God, I no longer watch stand-up comedy, certain movies, or anything else that might offend my Father in Heaven. I'm not perfect, but I do try to discern more carefully now with the things I watch and listen to on television, social media, and on the radio. Likewise, I avoid people who like to joke about God, sin, or Jesus Christ. If someone I know jokes about sin, I avoid laughing and simply stay quiet, unless I feel comfortable enough to correct them.
To Avoid Wickedness
"Listen, for I have trustworthy things to say; I open my mouth to speak what is right. My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips destests wickedness." - Proverbs 8:6-7. I think this verse speaks for itself. As believers in God through Christ Jesus, the Holy Bible tells us to resist evil and to live our faith righteously. We should never participate in ungodly chatter or conversations, but we should rather let our lips glorify God.
When the Matter is None of Your Business
As we have already established in 1 Thessalonians 4:11, we should live quiet lives and mind our business, but there are times when we should speak up if it will save an innocent life, defend the rights of the poor and needy, or if we are speaking up for those who cannot speak up for themselves (Ecclesiastes 3:7, Proverbs 31:9).
I still love the old sayings of yesterday, "If you have nothing nice to say, then remain silent and say nothing at all!"
