In the Bible, God tells us that we should be careful about the words we use. We should not speak too much or too little, but only what is necessary. This is because our words have power and can be used for good or evil.
When we speak too much, we can get into trouble. We may say things that are not true, or we may hurt other people’s feelings. We may also bore other people with our incessant talking. On the other hand, when we talk too little, we may miss opportunities to connect with others and to make them aware of what is going on inside of us.
The best way to find a balance is to prayerfully consider our words before we speak them. We should ask ourselves if what we are about to say is true, helpful, necessary, and kind. If your words hold no value, it’s better to keep them to yourselves.
To help you pipe down, the scripture has 20 verses on the matter:
Proverbs 10:19 NIV
Sin is not ended by multiplying words,
but the prudent hold their tongues.
Proverbs 17:28 NIV
Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent,
and discerning if they hold their tongues.
Proverbs 18:2 NIV
Fools find no pleasure in understanding
but delight in airing their own opinions.
James 1:19 NIV
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
Proverbs 21:23 NIV
Those who guard their mouths and their tongues
keep themselves from calamity.
Psalm 141:3 NIV
Set a guard over my mouth, Lord;
keep watch over the door of my lips.
Proverbs 29:20 NIV
Do you see someone who speaks in haste?
There is more hope for a fool than for them.
Proverbs 13:3 NIV
Those who guard their lips preserve their lives,
but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.
Matthew 12:36 NIV
But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.
Ecclesiastes 5:2 NIV
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.
Ecclesiastes 9:17 NIV
The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded
than the shouts of a ruler of fools.
Proverbs 14:23 NIV
All hard work brings a profit,
but mere talk leads only to poverty.
James 3:6 NIV
The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
Ecclesiastes 5:7 NIV
Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore, fear God.
Proverbs 18:21 NIV
The tongue has the power of life and death,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.
2 Timothy 2:16 NIV
Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.
Proverbs 17:27 NIV
The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint,
and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.
Proverbs 30:32 NIV
If you play the fool and exalt yourself,
or if you plan evil,
clap your hand over your mouth!
Proverbs 20:19 NIV
A gossip betrays a confidence;
so avoid anyone who talks too much.
Proverbs 12:18 NIV
The words of the reckless pierce like swords,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
