There are times to speak and times to be laconic—a person of few words. “He who guards his words guards his life; for whoever is talkative comes to ruin” (Prov 13:3). The Bible says you should keep your mouth shut when you are angry and when you are tempted to tell a lie, straighten out an idiot, speak without having all the facts, and say more than you should. Keep your mouth shut if you are tempted to malign your neighbor “A hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor” (Prov 11:9). When you are tempted to pervert the truth or don’t know what you’re talking about be sure and stay silent. “The mouth of the just brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue shall be cut off” (Prov 10:31). If you have a quick temper, want to say hurtful things, or are tempted to judge another believer be laconic. “Whosoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from trouble” (Prov 21:23).

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