1. When you haven’t verified the story (Deut. 17:6)

2. When you are tempted to tell an outright lie (Prov. 4:24).

3. If you would be ashamed of your words later (Prov. 8:8).

4. When it is time to listen (Prov. 13:1).

5. When you are tempted to joke about sin (Prov. 14:9).

6. If the issue is none of your business (Prov. 14:10).

7. In the heat of anger (Prov. 14:17).

8. When you are supposed to be working instead (Prov. 14:23).

9. If your words will damage someone’s reputation (Prov. 16:27).

10. If your word will damage a friendship (Prov. 16:28).

11. If your words could convey the wrong impression (Prov. 17:27).

12. When you don’t have all the facts. (Prov. 18:13).

13. If you may have to eat your words later (Prov. 18:21).

14. If you have already said it more than one time (Prov. 19:13).

15. When you are tempted to flatter a wicked person (Prov. 24:24).

(Continued)

(Continued)

16. If you can’t say it without screaming it (Prov. 25:28).

17. When you are tempted to make light of holy things (Ecc. 5:2).

18. If your words will offend a weaker person (I Cor. 8:11).

19. When you are feeling critical (James 3:9).

20. If your words will be a poor reflection of your Lord or your

friends and family (I Peter 2:21-23).

James 3:3-12 3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. 7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man 8 but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. NIV

Plainly, don’t get short changed. Let’s be ready to meet our Maker. The Bible teaches that to avoid hell and gain heaven - one must:

1) Believe In Jesus As Savior (Acts 16:31) 2) Repent Of Sins (Acts 17:30) 3) Confess Christ Audibly (Acts 8:37) 4) Be Baptized In Water (Acts 2:38) 5) Live A Christian Life (Acts 14:22) 6) Be Active In the Church (2:47)