Saying the Right Thing

Appropriate Speech

Appropriate Time

Proverbs 15:23 NASB95

23 A man has joy in an apt answer, And how delightful is a timely word!

Proverbs 25:11 NASB95

11 Like apples of gold in settings of silver Is a word spoken in right circumstances.

Inappropriate Time

Proverbs 27:14 NASB95

14 He who blesses his friend with a loud voice early in the morning, It will be reckoned a curse to him.

Appropriate Style

Proverbs 16:21 NASB95

21 The wise in heart will be called understanding, And sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.

Proverbs 16:24 NASB95

24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

Maintaining Silence

Avoids Sin

Proverbs 10:19 NASB95

19 When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise.

Shows Prudence

Proverbs 12:23 NASB95

23 A prudent man conceals knowledge, But the heart of fools proclaims folly.

Proverbs 17:28 NASB95

28 Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips, he is considered prudent.

Protects Life

Proverbs 13:3 NASB95

3 The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; The one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.

Avoids Shame

Proverbs 18:13 NASB95

13 He who gives an answer before he hears, It is folly and shame to him.

Avoids Trouble

Proverbs 21:23 NASB95

23 He who guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles.

Controlled Speech

Is Gentle

Proverbs 15:1 NASB95

1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 17:27 NASB95

27 He who restrains his words has knowledge, And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.

Is Soft

Proverbs 25:15 NASB95

15 By forbearance a ruler may be persuaded, And a soft tongue breaks the bone.

James 1:26 NASB95

26 If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless.

James 3:2 NASB95

2 For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well.