Hold your tongue

James 3:6 English Standard Version (ESV)

6 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.

Hold your tongue. It is set on fire.

Words are to express. The question is when to speak and when not to speak.

Is there a simple way to find that out?

Yes, there is.

Ephesians 4:29-30 English Standard Version (ESV)

29 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. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

For building up, ministering grace unto the hearer.

Everytime, you have something to say. Put it to test.

Does it build the hearer?
Does it minister grace?

Especially, when you rebuke.

Do you rebuke because you want to let emotional steam out

or

do you seek that the other, hearer is build up by changing their course of action?

Question your motive.

If it is not out of love, hold your tongue. If it not going to build the hearer. Hold your tongue.

Yes, you can rebuke. And love disciplines.

Proverbs 13:24 New International Version (NIV)

24 Whoever spares the rod hates their children,
    but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.

Yes, you can. Ask yourself, the words that you speak, are they to gratify your emotion or edify the hearer.

Speak the words that build up or hold your tongue.

Be blessed my children in Jesus mighty Name.

Amen