Not everything requires our comment or opinion. Let’s take a look at how the bible instructs us. Please join me for May’s scripture reading: When to be quiet.
I have a major problem keeping my mouth shut. My mouth has placed me in trouble more times than I care to admit.
I overstep boundaries. I give my opinion where none is needed. I’ve been sanctimonious, arrogant, and rebellious. Cantankerous, venomous words have escaped my lips. I have a problem keeping my mouth shut. The truth is, most people struggle with this. We tend to think too highly of our own opinions.
This month, we’re going to take a look at scripture to guide us when to speak and when to bite our tongue.
Never Quiet the Gospel
First, let’s take a moment and look at when the bible commands us to speak up. As Christians, we are called to bring darkness into light by spreading the Gospel.
To Defend Our Faith
“but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.” – 1 Peter 3:15-16
To Proclaim the Gospel
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” – Romans 1:16
To Lovingly Correct Other Christians
“Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.” – Galatians 6:1
To Repair a Hurt or Disagreement
“If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. -Matthew 18:15
For Praise & Thanksgiving
“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of [our] lips giving thanks to his name.” – Hebrews 13:15
To Expose Darkness Including Apostasy
“Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them;” – Ephesians 5:8
To Confess
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” – Romans 10:9
How To Speak Up
When we are instructed to speak up, it should always be with love. This includes any admonishment. Once corrected, we should be quick to extend the mercy of God.
“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”
Ephesians 4:!5
Scripture Reading: When to Stay Quiet
- Proverbs 14:17 (In anger)
- Proverbs 18:13 (When you don’t have all the facts / impulse)
- Deuteronomy 17:6 (When you don’t have evidence or a witness)
- 1 Corinthians 8:11 (To destroy a weaker brother)
- Proverbs 14:9 (To mock or joke about sin)
- Proverbs 8:8 (Perverse or twisted)
- Ecclesiastes 5:2-4 (To make light of swearing to God)
- Proverbs 17:27 (If unrestrained)
- Proverbs 14:10 (When it’s none of your business)
- Ephesians 4:29 (In slander)
- Proverbs 4:24 (If it’s devious or corrupt)
- Proverbs 16:27 (If you’re plotting evil)
- Proverbs 12:22 (if it’s a lie)
- Proverbs 19:13 (Nagging)
- James 3:9 (Cursing)
- Proverbs 25:28 (When you lack self-control)
- Proverbs 13:1 (When it’s time to listen)
- James 4:6 (when proud)
- Proverbs 18:21 (If you may have to eat your words later)
- Proverbs 19:29 (mocking)
- Proverbs 24:24 (when you’re tempted to flatter an evil person)
- Proverbs 14:23 (When you should be working)
- Proverbs 10:19 (Talking so much it becomes sinful)
- 1 Peter 3:10 (if it’s deceitful)
- Proverbs 11:13 (If it’s gossip)
Thank you for joining me this month for Scripture Reading: When to Be Quiet. I know correction isn’t always easy to hear, but it’s important in our walk with Christ. Please and take a moment and read some of my other Scripture Readings like Depression & Grief.In the comments below, I’d love to hear how I can pray for you.
This is so good!!