shh...

Whoever guards his mouth & tongue keeps his soul from troubles. - Proverbs 21:23

It may be a sudden reaction, blurted out without thinking, an automatic response. It could be thoughts and feelings you've held inside that burst out of your mouth before you can stop yourself.  Or words you regretted as soon as they're uttered.  It doesn't take much to damage a relationship, to be misunderstood, to regret.  

There are times when it's important NOT to speak.  To be silent.  To hold it in.


1. In the heat of anger -- Prov. 14:17
2. When you don't have all the facts -- Prov. 18:13
3. When you haven't verified the story -- Deut. 17:6
4. If your words will offend a weaker person -- 1 Cor. 8:11
5. When it is time to listen -- Prov. 13:1
6. When you are tempted to make light of holy things -- Ecc. 5:2
7. When you are tempted to joke about sin -- Prov. 14:9
8. If you would be ashamed of your words later -- Prov. 8:8
9. If your words would convey the wrong impression -- Prov. 17:27
10. If the issue is none of your business -- Prov. 14:10
11. When you are tempted to tell an outright lie -- Prov. 4:24
12. If your words will damage someone else's reputation -- Prov. 16:27
13. If your words will damage a friendship -- Prov. 16:28
14. When you are feeling critical -- James 3:9
15. If you can't say it without screaming it -- Proverbs 25:28
16. If your words will be a poor reflection of the Lord or your
friends and family -- Peter 2:21-23
17. If you may have to eat your words later -- Prov. 18:21
18. If you have already said it more than one time -- Prov. 19:13
19. When you are tempted to flatter a wicked person -- Prov. 24:24
20. When you are suppose to be working instead -- Prov. 14:23