THE WISDOM OF SILENCE (1)

"In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is WISE” – Proverbs 10:19

GOD’S WORD is not silent on the WISDOM of SILENCE: “In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is WISE” (Pro.10:19). Our globalized, digital age provides constant opportunities online for individuals to voice their opinions and counter oppositions. At the slightest challenge to their beliefs or opinions, many prepare for defence and verbal retaliation, disregarding Christ’s commandment to love one another. We as Believers are meant to influence those around us, but the power of our words can be used to build up or tear down. It’s therefore vital to imbibe the WISDOM of SILENCE: “A time to KEEP SILENCE, and a time to speak” (Ecc.3:7). To know when to speak or be silent – and how, we must humbly seek the Lord through prayer, immerse ourselves in Scripture, and ask for His Wisdom.

Speaking can be apt and gracious, or worldly and evil. On the other hand, silence can be unhelpful and harmful, or best and blessed.

Apt and Gracious Speaking: “...always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” (1Pet.3:15). Proverbs 10 offers wise counsels: “The mouth of the righteous is a well of life” (v.11a); “Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding” (v.13a); and “The tongue of the righteous is choice silver” (v.20a). There is a WISDOM and KNOW-HOW to Gracious Speaking: “That I may make it manifest, as I ought to SPEAK. WALK in WISDOM toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may KNOW HOW you ought to answer each one” (Col.4:5-6). We are to speak evil of no one, speak Truth in Love, and put away falsehood (Eph.4:15,25; Tit.3:2).

Worldly and Evil Speaking: “The hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor...” (Pro.11:9a). Wrong use of the tongue: can feel “like the piercings of a sword” (Pro.12:18); breaks a person’s spirit (Pro.15:4); “devises destruction, like a sharp razor, working deceitfully” (Psa.52:2); is like a devouring fire (Jam.3:5). It’s easy for our flesh to want to dominate an argument; in pride and foolishness, we itch to prove our point and end up speaking in anger or engaging in deceit, lying, gossip, or slander. We are warned: “Do not speak evil of one another, brethren” (Jam.4:11a). Psalm 141:3 wisely says, “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!”

When Silence is Unhelpful and Harmful: “Do not be afraid, but SPEAK, and DO NOT KEEP SILENT” (Acts 18:9). This was the Lord instructing Paul in the night vision. Anxiety, fear, and lack of confidence, can tempt us to keep our mouths shut when we need to boldly speak truth in love. We’re are to utter wisdom in the face of oppression: “The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom, and his tongue talks of justice” (Psa.37:30). We’re to defend and seek justice for the afflicted, needy, weak, fatherless, and widow ((Psa.82:3; Isa.1:17). We do more harm than good in our silence when we take a cowardly, quiet backseat to injustice.

When Silence is Best and Blessed: “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, SLOW to SPEAK, slow to WRATH” (Jam.1:19). Naturally, when we’re not opening our mouth, we’re more inclined to open our ears – toward others or toward God. We are forced into self-reflection and obedience in our silence, with the tendency to listen to the Holy Spirit. In particular, silence is best in moments of anger or wrath, at which time there’s a high probability that our words will not emanate from the Holy Spirit. Silence can help us: avoid sinning (v.19) and gain respect (Pro.11:12). The silent is deemed to be wise: “Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; when he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive” (Pro.17:28). May God reveal to us and nurture in us the Wisdom of Silence!