3 It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife,
but every fool will be quarreling. Proverbs 20:3
When two people quarrel, trash talk, tell a secret or just make degrading statements, who really is benefited? Now I am no dummy, so I know that there are lots of people who make dumb mistakes. It is therfore very easy to open my mouth, or for you to open your mouth and for some reason we like to make sure everbody knows about others mistakes. There are lots of others doing sinful and dangerous things. People spend money foolishly, People are out there doing lots of stuff and too often it is just too easy to sit on the sidelines of life and take pot shots at others lives about what "they are doing."
I think we say something about others to make some sort of comparison to ourselves and by doing this it is some sort of an attempt at making us wiser, stronger, smarter, or something. So, we say something that really does not have to be mentioned. We give voice to evaluate others or condemn their actions with intent at making ourselves better? We have all done this and sometimes we know we should not have said anything, but too often the person we are speaking too picks up the ball to see if they can score and gets another jab in on the person who has been belittled. Then both have the opportunity to continue for a few minutes tearing another person to shreads with nasty thoughts and comments and who is benefitted? Cutting remarks, snips, trash talk, or even gestures to tear down another are so much a part of who we are. I know some trash talk others in jest. I know, I get it, that it is sort of "cool." But we too often, use too much judgement of our own to tear down some aspect or actions of someone without really thinking through what we are saying.
7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. 10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers,c these things ought not to be so. James 3:7-10 ESV
This post will not stop all the noise filling the air that slams others, but these Scriptures which I know I believe, and so do many of you, miight just help. When the temptation comes to just blurt out an unneeded remark there is honor in holding your tongue.
So let me answer my title question. "When Should I Keep My Mouth Shut?" Simple answer, most of the time.
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