THE WISDOM OF SILENCE (2)

"He who has knowledge SPARES HIS WORDS, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit” – Proverbs 17:27

GOD’S WORD is explicit on the WISDOM of SILENCE: “He who has knowledge SPARES HIS WORDS, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit. Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; when he SHUTS HIS LIPS, he is considered perceptive” (Pro.17:27-28). The Message Bible says, “The one who knows much says little; an understanding person remains calm. Even dunces who keep quiet are thought to be wise; as long as they keep their mouths shut, they’re smart.” There is “a TIME to KEEP SILENCE, and a TIME to SPEAK” (Ecc.3:7). Job also alluded to the Wisdom of Silence: “Oh, that you would be SILENT, and it would be your WISDOM!” (Job13:5).

The tongue can be a treacherous tool with deadly repercussions: “But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison” (Jam.3:7-9). It can be a terribly troublesome organ: “He who has a deceitful heart finds no good, and he who has a perverse tongue falls into evil” (v.20). The New International Version says, “One whose heart is corrupt does not prosper; one whose tongue is perverse falls into trouble” (v.20, NIV). Here is a sober warning of the sure consequences of not ruling one’s spirit and speech. Rather than constantly falling into trouble, the Bible commends those who are able to spare their words, keep the peace, and listen more, but not due to fear or timidity.

God's Word empowers us to speak out when it’s needful to do so, but also to imbibe and practise the Wisdom of Silence: “he who restrains his lips is wise” (Pro.10:19b). Proverbs 11:12 also says, “He who is devoid of wisdom despises his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his peace.” Gaining control over the tongue is a rare but worthy virtue: “Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles” (Pro.21:23). It is foolish to talk faster than one thinks: “Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him” (Pro.29:20). Being quiet can be challenging, but it can also be a highly desirable virtue to possess and display.

There are seasons when Silence is Golden, even in Heaven: “When He open the seventh seal, there was SILENCE in HEAVEN for about half an hour” (Rev.8:1). Although two minutes of silence can feel endless, Heaven was silent for an eternal half an hour! Silence can sometimes be life’s fitting strategy, when energizing silence replaces exhausting striving. Our flesh may want to engage in emotional debate, but our spirit says, “Wait”! The outcome is bound to be better when we pause for the Holy Spirit to calm our conflicted heart before confronting issues. People may agitate us, but by God’s Grace, we can refrain from reacting rudely, but rather pray for them. We hear God clearly when we are calm, quiet, and patient: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength…” (Isa.30:15a).

Our flesh may be screaming to have its way, but Faith in God’s Faithfulness is foundational to our remaining silent. Our words may delay the work of God’s Word. We should rather pray with someone who is seeking wisdom from God, than hastily and foolishly offer carnal counsel. Instead of prescribing a solution for them based on our own experience, we can refer them to Scriptures that are relevant to their situation. Silence invites the Lord’s Inner Strength into our soul. Rather than say what we may later regret, it’s better to wait on the Holy Spirit to speak into the situation. Our Silence releases God’s resources: “The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent” (Exo.14:14, NASB).