I Thess. 4:11
"And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;"

One of the greatest challenges facing people today is when should I say something or when should I keep my big mouth shut! Let's look at this from a Biblical viewpoint and see what the Bible has to say.

(1) Do not tell what you do not know to be true. You don't need to spread gossip because it separates friendships. Proverbs 16:28 "A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends." Notice what the scripture says above study to be quiet and to do your own business. We have a hard enough time keeping ourselves right with God, don't gossip and get into the business of other people. This only hinders your walk with God.

(2) Do not tell something unless it is necessary. Genesis 37:1, "Joseph brought unto his father their evil report." Joseph didn't tell his father to be a tattle but for protection. His brothers had a hard time staying out of trouble and had already brought great damage to others. It's always right to speak up or say something when your attempting to keep someone from danger. Read Proverbs 27:5, "Open rebuke is better than secret love." It is always right to speak up and warn an erring brother or sister, than to remain silent and allow them to destroy their life.
1 Timothy 5:12 "Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear."

3. Don't tell something if your not motivated in love even if it's a rebuke it should be done in love.
Ephesians 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.

It is part of our sinful nature to love to tell and hear the bad about others. This should never be our motivation. Even the truth should not be shared unless we are doing it for the good of all concerned.

As the old Sunday School song for children says,, "oh be careful little mouth what you say, there's a Father up above looking down at you with love, so be careful little mouth what you say!"

God Bless You,

Pastor Kevin Bowling

Liberty United Baptist Church