Meaning of the word "there is a time to speak and a time to be silent" in English

What does "there is a time to speak and a time to be silent" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

there is a time to speak and a time to be silent

US /ðɛr ɪz ə taɪm tu spik ænd ə taɪm tu bi ˈsaɪlənt/
UK /ðɛər ɪz ə taɪm tu spiːk ænd ə taɪm tu bi ˈsaɪlənt/
"there is a time to speak and a time to be silent" picture

Idiom

a proverb suggesting that one should use discretion to decide when it is appropriate to talk and when it is better to remain quiet

Example:
I wanted to argue, but I remembered that there is a time to speak and a time to be silent.
In diplomacy, there is a time to speak and a time to be silent to avoid unnecessary conflict.