KNOWING WHEN TO BE SILENT (1)

"Oh, that you would be SILENT, and it would be your WISDOM!” – Job 13:5

There is a WISDOM for KNOWING WHEN to be SILENT: “Oh, that you would be SILENT, and it would be your WISDOM!” (Job 13:5). This Wisdom directs as to what situations require Silence rather than Speech – Silence derived from a Place of Strength, not intimidation, timidity, or weakness. As Believers in Christ, we’re to tame our tongue: “If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless” (Jam.1:26). By this, we are able to protect our blessings from enemy attack.

I came across some anonymous, practical Words of Wisdom on WHEN TO BE SILENT. Here is my edited version:

Be silent in the heat of anger or if you cannot say it without screaming.

Be silent when it is time to listen or if your words will offend a weaker person.

Be silent when you’re tempted to gossip, you don't have all the facts, or haven't verified the story.

Be silent when you’re tempted to complain, grumble, or murmur, especially against God.

Be silent when you’re tempted to make light of holy things or to joke about sin.

Be silent if you would be ashamed of your words later or have to eat your words later.

Be silent if your words will damage someone else's reputation, a relationship or friendship.

Be silent when you are feeling critical or if you’re engaging in vain repetition.

Be silent if your words will be a poor reflection or misrepresentation of yourself, your family or friends.

Be silent when you are tempted to tell a lie, flatter a wicked person or call evil good.

Be silent if the issue is none of your business!

Here are scriptural highlights of few instances in which Silence is the wisest option:

Anger: “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, SLOW to SPEAK, slow to WRATH” (Jam.1:19). When we’re angry is when we want to speak the most; but such would likely be fleshly, not Spirit-inspired. Speaking in anger opens the door to sin and strife and makes one a fool (Pro.29:11). It takes two to fight; and we can spare ourselves the regret of utterances that cannot be retrieved.

Invitation to Gossip: “A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends” (Pro.16:28). There is no shortage of people who would love to get us involved in their gossip, in the guise of a friendly chat. At such times, we can stay silent, change subject, or walk away. We’re warned severally against the sin of talebearing (Exo.23:1; Lev.19:16; Pro.11:13; 18:8; 20:19; 26:20; Rom.1:29; Eph.4:29).

Temptation to Complain: “Do all things without complaining” (Phi.2:14a). Complaining is like giving the driver’s seat of one’s life to others. Rather than murmur on an almost array of issues, let’s pause, reflect, think, and be inspired to thank God for all that we are and have.