A common situation where it’s best to stay quiet is when you are mad. Whenever you get mad and feel anger boiling in your blood, it’s best to simmer down before you say anything. Speaking while you are mad and angry can cause you to say things that you don’t mean or things that you will regret later. When you speak in the heat of the moment, it is easy to say something that you wish you could take back.
It is best to pause, wait, and cool down before you utter one word when your emotions are so volatile. If a situation has made you extremely mad, stay quiet and leave the situation. It is best to stay quiet than to say something that you wished you hadn’t once your emotions settle. I know I have made the mistake of speaking up when I am mad, and, honestly, I never say anything that is helpful or brings healing when I’m in this state of fury.
Instead, my words only add more hurt to the situation and increase my anger. When you are mad, find quick tips to shift your brain from the words you want to spew and focus on simpler thoughts like counting to ten, finding the natural sunlight in the room, remembering the way someone went out of their way to be kind to you today, etc.
2. When Others Are Gossipping
A second situation when it’s best to stay quiet is when others are gossiping. Gossiping is never a good habit to pick up. The Bible repeatedly teaches against the practice of speaking ill will about our brothers and sisters. Proverbs 20:19 tells us, “A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.” In the same way, Proverbs 18:8 says, “The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.”
Gossip has no part in a believer’s life. When others are gossiping, it is best to stay quiet. In fact, it is best to totally leave the situation if possible. Most times, gossip is not true, so it’s best not to participate in it and stay quiet instead. Think about when you have been a victim of gossip. You most likely didn’t feel very good about it, and you were probably upset—rightfully so. Think about this when your friend circle is gossiping about someone. Choose to remain quiet and leave the situation.
