If you can't say something nice, ...

say nothing at all. Remember that saying? It was one my mom used a lot. Here are some scriptures where the Lord tells us the same thing.

Pr 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

Pr 15:11 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

Pr 16:24 Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

Pr 27:15 A continual dropping in a very raining day and a contentious woman are alike.

1 Sam 1:2 And he had two wives; the name of one was Hannah, and the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.
:6 And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the Lord had shut up her womb.
:10 And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore.
:13 Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.

Heb 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Ps 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, o Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.

Well if anyone had a reason to be vocal in her unhappiness it was Hannah. Her husband had 2 wives, she couldn't have a baby, the other wife rubbed it in her face every chance she got. But what did Hannah do? She took it to the only One who could do something about the situation. She took it to God in prayer.

How often do I speak my "mind" and make sure that everyone around knows how wronged I have been, or how mistreated I have been, etc etc etc. When really the best thing I can do is what Hannah did. Take it to the Lord in prayer. He can change the situation, He can change the other person. He can change ME! OUCH ! Maybe that is why I think I need to handle the situation with words. I don't want to take the chance that it is ME who needs changing and not the situation or the other person. Maybe my heart is wrong about the situation. Double ouch.
Thankfully I have a Saviour who is ready and willing to forgive me if I seek Him. But first I must seek Him. And be willing to act on what He shows me. And maybe, just maybe this time, it won't be me that needs changing .