75 Bible Verses about Waiting To Speak

James 1:19 ESV / 218 helpful votes

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;

Proverbs 18:13 ESV / 165 helpful votes

If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.

Proverbs 10:19 ESV / 148 helpful votes

When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.

Proverbs 29:20 ESV / 140 helpful votes

Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Proverbs 21:23 ESV / 137 helpful votes

Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.

Proverbs 15:28 ESV / 118 helpful votes

The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.

Ephesians 4:29 ESV / 100 helpful votes

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Psalm 141:3 ESV / 100 helpful votes

Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!

Ecclesiastes 3:7 ESV / 95 helpful votes

A time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

Proverbs 13:3 ESV / 76 helpful votes

Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.

Proverbs 17:27-28 ESV / 69 helpful votes

Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.

Ecclesiastes 5:2 ESV / 65 helpful votes

Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few.

Titus 3:2 ESV / 60 helpful votes

To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.

Job 6:24 ESV / 60 helpful votes

“Teach me, and I will be silent; make me understand how I have gone astray.

Amos 5:13 ESV / 36 helpful votes

Therefore he who is prudent will keep silent in such a time, for it is an evil time.

1 Peter 3:15 ESV / 32 helpful votes

But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

Proverbs 17:27 ESV / 28 helpful votes

Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.

Proverbs 12:18 ESV / 28 helpful votes

There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

1 Peter 3:10 ESV / 24 helpful votes

For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit;

James 3:2 ESV / 24 helpful votes

For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.

James 3:2-8 ESV / 24 helpful votes

For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. ...

Colossians 4:6 ESV / 24 helpful votes

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Proverbs 17:28 ESV / 20 helpful votes

Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.

Proverbs 15:23 ESV / 16 helpful votes

To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!

James 3:2-12 ESV / 12 helpful votes

For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. ...

Exodus 14:14 ESV / 12 helpful votes

The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”

Proverbs 14:29 ESV / 10 helpful votes

Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.

Psalm 35:1 ESV / 10 helpful votes

Of David. Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me!

Ecclesiastes 5:1-2 ESV / 9 helpful votes

Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil. Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few.

James 3:2-5 ESV / 8 helpful votes

For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!

James 3:1-12 ESV / 8 helpful votes

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! ...

Matthew 12:36-37 ESV / 8 helpful votes

I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Proverbs 23:22 ESV / 8 helpful votes

Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.

Proverbs 18:2 ESV / 8 helpful votes

A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.

Proverbs 15:1 ESV / 8 helpful votes

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Psalm 39:1 ESV / 8 helpful votes

To the choirmaster: to Jeduthun. A Psalm of David. I said, “I will guard my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle, so long as the wicked are in my presence.”

Psalm 37:8 ESV / 7 helpful votes

Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.

Romans 6:14 ESV / 6 helpful votes

For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.

Galatians 5:1 ESV / 5 helpful votes

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

Psalm 62:5 ESV / 5 helpful votes

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.

2 Chronicles 20:15-17 ESV / 5 helpful votes

And he said, “Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's. Tomorrow go down against them. Behold, they will come up by the ascent of Ziz. You will find them at the end of the valley, east of the wilderness of Jeruel. You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.”

James 3:3-12 ESV / 4 helpful votes

If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, ...

James 3:2-6 ESV / 4 helpful votes

For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.

James 3:2-4 ESV / 4 helpful votes

For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs.

James 3:1-2 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.

James 1:26 ESV / 4 helpful votes

If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.

Titus 3:1-2 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.

Titus 1:10-11 ESV / 4 helpful votes

For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach.

Philippians 2:3 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Philippians 1:27 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,

1 Corinthians 13:13 ESV / 4 helpful votes

So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Matthew 12:36 ESV / 4 helpful votes

I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak,

Lamentations 3:25-26 ESV / 4 helpful votes

The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.

Jeremiah 29:19 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Because they did not pay attention to my words, declares the Lord, that I persistently sent to you by my servants the prophets, but you would not listen, declares the Lord.’

Isaiah 31:5 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Like birds hovering, so the Lord of hosts will protect Jerusalem; he will protect and deliver it; he will spare and rescue it.”

Isaiah 30:18 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.

Isaiah 30:15 ESV / 4 helpful votes

For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.” But you were unwilling,

Isaiah 30:12-33:9 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Therefore thus says the Holy One of Israel, “Because you despise this word and trust in oppression and perverseness and rely on them, therefore this iniquity shall be to you like a breach in a high wall, bulging out and about to collapse, whose breaking comes suddenly, in an instant; and its breaking is like that of a potter's vessel that is smashed so ruthlessly that among its fragments not a shard is found with which to take fire from the hearth, or to dip up water out of the cistern.” For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.” But you were unwilling, and you said, “No! We will flee upon horses”; therefore you shall flee away; and, “We will ride upon swift steeds”; therefore your pursuers shall be swift. ...

Proverbs 25:15 ESV / 4 helpful votes

With patience a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue will break a bone.

Proverbs 10:8 ESV / 4 helpful votes

The wise of heart will receive commandments, but a babbling fool will come to ruin.

Proverbs 1:5 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance,

Psalm 37:7 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!

Job 32:4 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because they were older than he.

Job 13:5 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Oh that you would keep silent, and it would be your wisdom!

Job 2:13 ESV / 4 helpful votes

And they sat with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his suffering was very great.

James 4:6 ESV / 3 helpful votes

But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Colossians 3:12 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,

Galatians 5:1-26 ESV / 3 helpful votes

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. ...

John 3:16 ESV / 3 helpful votes

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Matthew 23:37 ESV / 3 helpful votes

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!

Isaiah 30:1-33 ESV / 3 helpful votes

“Ah, stubborn children,” declares the Lord, “who carry out a plan, but not mine, and who make an alliance, but not of my Spirit, that they may add sin to sin; who set out to go down to Egypt, without asking for my direction, to take refuge in the protection of Pharaoh and to seek shelter in the shadow of Egypt! Therefore shall the protection of Pharaoh turn to your shame, and the shelter in the shadow of Egypt to your humiliation. For though his officials are at Zoan and his envoys reach Hanes, everyone comes to shame through a people that cannot profit them, that brings neither help nor profit, but shame and disgrace.” ...

Psalm 63:1-11 ESV / 3 helpful votes

A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, ...

Psalm 4:4 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah

Deuteronomy 18:1-22 ESV / 3 helpful votes

“The Levitical priests, all the tribe of Levi, shall have no portion or inheritance with Israel. They shall eat the Lord's food offerings as their inheritance. They shall have no inheritance among their brothers; the Lord is their inheritance, as he promised them. And this shall be the priests' due from the people, from those offering a sacrifice, whether an ox or a sheep: they shall give to the priest the shoulder and the two cheeks and the stomach. The firstfruits of your grain, of your wine and of your oil, and the first fleece of your sheep, you shall give him. For the Lord your God has chosen him out of all your tribes to stand and minister in the name of the Lord, him and his sons for all time. ...

Genesis 1:1-2 ESV / 3 helpful votes

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

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