“Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.” – Proverbs 17:28
Bible Verses About Being Silent
Proverbs 10:19 – In many words, there is no absence of sin.
“When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.” – Proverbs 10:19
James 1:19 – Listen before speaking.
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” – James 1:19
Ecclesiastes 3:7 – A time for silence.
“A time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak.” – Ecclesiastes 3:7
Proverbs 17:28 – Silence can show wisdom.
“Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.” – Proverbs 17:28
Proverbs 21:23 – Guarding one’s mouth.
“Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.” – Proverbs 21:23
Job 13:5 – Silence is better in some discussions.
“If only you would be altogether silent! For you, that would be wisdom.” – Job 13:5
Matthew 12:36 – We will account for our words.
“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.” – Matthew 12:36
Proverbs 15:28 – The heart of the wise.
“The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.” – Proverbs 15:28
Proverbs 18:13 – Listening first is key.
“To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.” – Proverbs 18:13
Psalm 4:4 – Reflect before speaking.
“In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.” – Psalm 4:4
Ecclesiastes 5:2 – Be cautious with words.
“Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God.” – Ecclesiastes 5:2
Proverbs 29:20 – Quick to speak can lead to trouble.
“Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them.” – Proverbs 29:20
1 Peter 3:10 – Control your tongue.
“For whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.” – 1 Peter 3:10
Proverbs 12:23 – The wise conceal knowledge.
“The prudent keep their knowledge to themselves, but a fool’s heart blurts out folly.” – Proverbs 12:23
Colossians 4:6 – Season words with grace.
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” – Colossians 4:6
Psalms 46:10 – Be still in His presence.
“He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.'” – Psalm 46:10
Isaiah 30:15 – In quietness and trust.
“This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: ‘In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.'” – Isaiah 30:15
Proverbs 25:11 – Words fitly spoken.
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” – Proverbs 25:11
Luke 6:45 – Out of the abundance of the heart.
“A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart.” – Luke 6:45
Exodus 14:14 – Trust in the Lord’s salvation.
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” – Exodus 14:14
Proverbs 13:3 – Guard your words.
“Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.” – Proverbs 13:3
Matthew 5:37 – Let your yes be yes.
“All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” – Matthew 5:37
Proverbs 26:20 – Strife ends where there is no wood.
“Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.” – Proverbs 26:20
Ephesians 4:29 – Build others up with words.
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs.” – Ephesians 4:29
1 Timothy 5:13 – Idle talkers lead to trouble.
“Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also busybodies who talk nonsense.” – 1 Timothy 5:13
Titus 1:10 – To silence those who oppose.
“For there are many rebellious people, full of meaningless talk and deception.” – Titus 1:10
Psalms 141:3 – Guard my mouth, Lord.
“Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” – Psalm 141:3
Final Thoughts
Being silent in certain situations provides peace and wisdom. It’s important to remember the value of listening and holding our tongues when necessary. Silence can often prevent misunderstandings and conflicts. God encourages us to choose our words carefully and to speak with kindness. Reflecting on these Bible verses reminds us to be mindful of what we say while understanding there’s power in our words. Embracing silence can be a strength that leads us to greater understanding of God and ourselves.
If you feel encouraged by these verses and want to explore more topics, check out some helpful resources like Bible Verses About Jesus’ Sacrifice or Bible Verses About Temptation. There’s a lot of wisdom in seeking understanding through God’s word.