What Does the Bible Say About Waiting to Speak?
Here are 16 Bible verses about Waiting to Speak, ordered by how relevant readers found them, with the King James Version and the modern Berean Standard Bible side by side.
- #1James 1:19
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
BSBMy beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,
- #2Proverbs 18:13
He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
BSBHe who answers a matter before he hears it— this is folly and disgrace to him.
- #3Proverbs 10:19
In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
BSBWhen words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.
- #4Proverbs 29:20
Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.
BSBDo you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
- #5Proverbs 21:23
Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
BSBHe who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.
- #6Proverbs 15:28
The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
BSBThe heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil.
- #7Psalms 141:3
Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.
BSBSet a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.
- #8Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
BSBLet no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.
- #9Ecclesiastes 3:7
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
BSBa time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,
- #10Proverbs 13:3
He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.
BSBHe who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.
- #11Proverbs 17:27-28
He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
BSBA man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit. Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue.
- #12Ecclesiastes 5:2
Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.
BSBDo not be quick to speak, and do not be hasty in your heart to utter a word before God. After all, God is in heaven and you are on earth. So let your words be few.
- #13Titus 3:2
To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
BSBto malign no one, and to be peaceable and gentle, showing full consideration to everyone.
- #14Job 6:24
Teach me, and I will hold my tongue: and cause me to understand wherein I have erred.
BSBTeach me, and I will be silent. Help me understand how I have erred.
- #15Amos 5:13
Therefore the prudent shall keep silence in that time; for it is an evil time.
BSBTherefore, the prudent keep silent in such times, for the days are evil.
- #161 Peter 3:15
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
BSBBut in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect,
Verse rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY). Scripture: KJV & BSB (public domain).