Silence is Golden

Do my words reflect my judgement or my humility?
Do my comments strike others down or lift them up?
When I share my opinion does it benefit others or merely make me feel superior?

I wanted to write a blog post railing against those who seem to carelessly cast judgement on others with their "holier than thou" comments. I had much of the post composed, ready to finish, edit and put out there for the world to see. Then I read it. Would I not be commiting the same judgement and "one-up-manship" with my blog post that they do with their comments?

I am being taught lessons about the (sometimes unsolicited) advice I give, about the use of my tongue, and about silence. I may be slow to learn, but I caught this one, God. I heard Your Holy Spirit remind me of scripture. Yes, silence is golden, and holding the tongue reflects maturity and discernment... which I long to develop more of as time goes by. Thank You for teaching me. Help me to practice silence more and more.

When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.
~ Proverbs 10:19

A man who lacks judgement derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue.

~ Proverbs 11:12

The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.

~ Proverbs 18:21

If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.

~ James 1:26