Ten Times You Should Remain Silent According to the Bible

As disciples of Jesus Christ, there are times when we need to speak up in truth, but there are also times when we need to pause before we speak, or say nothing at all. Sometimes "no response is a response," and it gives us, as well as the people around us, time to reflect on our behavior and time to think before we speak.

Oftentimes, remaining silent is the best way to diffuse an argument before it starts. Silence can keep peace and prevent us from being quarrelsome, which is what God has instructed us to do: "Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful..." - 2 Timothy 2:23-24.

Here are just ten times you should remain silent as a Christian:

#1 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 ambassadors of Jesus Christ, and we are to represent both the Father and the Son in faith and righteousness at all times.

#2 If You Have to Yell to be Heard

If you feel that you have to yell 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.

#3 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. Also, "We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves." - Romans 15:1. Your words can either build someone up or tear them down. Your words could deeply wound someone who is already struggling with something or who has low self-esteem. At the same time, your words could give someone hope and a sense of life when there seems to be no hope at all.

#4 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 busybody. 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).

#5 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 to be honest in all our ways. There are times when we might find ourselves in special situations where we might feel compelled to lie 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.

#6 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 for ourselves and others.

#7 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.

#8 When Tempted to Joke About Sin

"Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving." - Ephesians 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. Likewise, I avoid and do not associate with people who use God's name in vain or who like to joke about God, sin, or Jesus Christ.

#9 To Avoid Ungodly Conversations

"Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly." - 2 Timothy 2:16. 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.

#10 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!"

Let the Holy Spirit of God guide you in Christ Jesus when to speak in truth and when to remain silent.

An Invitation to Accept Jesus Christ

If you are reading this and have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I ask you to do so now. You are not reading this by coincidence. The Word of God says: "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved." - Romans 10:9-10. 

Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Our Heavenly Father and Creator sent Him to die for our sins (John 3:16). All sins, no matter how big, are covered by the sacrificing and atoning blood of Jesus Christ (Colossians 2:13-14, 1 John 2:2, 1 Peter 3:18).

The time is now. There will be no second chance after death: "And just as it is appointed to man to die once, and after that comes judgement, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him." (Hebrews 9:27-28).

Life is your second chance. Every second of the day that you live, God is giving you the chance and opportunity to accept the gift of salvation given to all of us through His Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross.

I repeat: There will be no other chance after death.

Jesus said, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." - Matthew 7:13-14.

Which road will you take? The choice is yours, but the time is now, because tomorrow is not promised to any of us. (Proverbs 27:1).

There is no "in between" either. You must pick a side, for Jesus Christ has said, "Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters." - Matthew 12:30.

How to Accept Jesus Christ into Your Life

1. Confession of Sin: Acknowledge you are a sinner and need forgiveness (Romans 3:23)

2. Belief in Jesus: Believe He is the Son of God, died for your sins, and was resurrected (Romans 10:9)

3. Repentance: Turn away from sin and self-centered living.

4. Invitation: Ask Jesus to come into your heart and life as Lord and Savior.

5. Commitment: Choose to follow Him and live for Him.

6. Gratitude: Thank God for the gift of salvation and eternal life.

I plead with you, with all my heart, to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Please repent of your sins, and profess with your mouth from your heart the following: that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (John 20:31, 1 John 4:15, Romans 10:9), He suffered and died on the cross for the sins of the world, God raised Him from the dead three days later, and He accended into Heaven and now sits at the Right Hand of our Almighty Father and God (Hebrews 1:3, Romans 8:34). He will come again to judge both the living and the dead. (2 Timothy 4:1). And, finally, please make every effort to get baptized in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38, Mark 16:16, Matthew 3:15),

You must confess all of the above things from your heart for the gift of salvation that was given by Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, on the cross. If you need some help, please use the example below as a prayer from Pastor Rick Warren:

"Dear God,

 I believe Jesus Christ is your Son. I confess I have sinned, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus died to take away my sins and that you raised him to life. I want to trust Jesus as my Savior and follow him as Lord from this day forward. Guide my life and help me to do your will.

 In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen."

Remember, it's not just about the words, but the sincere attitude and change of heart that matters to God. You can pray in your own words or use the prayer above.

Jesus Christ is the Savior of the World! Please accept Him into your heart and life today and spread the good news!

I testify by the Holy Spirit of God that these things are true. I say all of this to you in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, our Lord and Savior, amen.