Silence is the act of refraining from speaking.
Most often times, we speak when we ought not to, which threatens our everyday life; on the other hand, the virtue of silence guides the kind of words we utter.
Words are powerful. They take a great part in describing who we are. That is, our words describe us.
There are often times in our lives when there’s a call to be silent. The difference between a fool and a man of wisdom is that the latter knows when to speak unlike the former.
Silence helps us to season our words. In the silentness of life, great inventions were made, answers were discovered.
The act of silence gives us that meditative spirit and releases upon us the power to decipher.
The Bible says that “in quietness… shall be your Strength”. Isaiah 30:15 For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your Strength.
This is a great virtue we undervalue in our minds. Meanwhile, the real question is, “When should I be silent?”
I strongly believe that the Bible has the answers to all questions.
Let us use the scripture to respond to the question of WHEN TO BE SILENT
- Be silent in times of anger. Anger makes one act in a foolish way. (Provb 14:17)
- Proverbs 18:13 “He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.”
Be silent when you haven’t heard it all or bereft of facts. The consequence of its absence as the scripture says is SHAME. - Be silent when you are meant to listen. Do you know why? Proverbs 13:1 – A wise son heareth his father’s instruction… “
Can I ask you a question please?
Have you wondered why you have two ears and only a mouth?
What a rhetorical question to reflect upon.
- Be silent when you’re faced with a chance to speak against God. Ecclesiastes 5:2 Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.
Very explanatory verse we have here. - It is better to be silent than to utter words of unrighteousness and sin. Steer clear of words that are forward of have something perverse in them. (Proverbs 8:8)
- Be silent if your words would convey a negative information.
Proverbs 17:27 He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. - Be silent when your are tempted to be deceitful or tell a lie (Proverbs 4:24)
- Be silent if your words will hurt the hearers, tarnish someone’s reputation, or separate a friendship (Proverbs 16:27-28)
- Be silent if we have to speak a curse. How will the same mouth that proceed blessings proceed curses too? Think about it, it ought not to be so. (Proverbs 3:10)
- To live long and a life of peace, be silent. Let your words reflect the Savior and be a source of encouragement to others. (1 Pet 2:21-23) (Proverbs 18:21)
- In conclusion, always remember to go to God in prayers rather than mumur or utter negative words.
“WHOSOEVER GUARDS HIS MOUTH AND TONGUE KEEPS HIS SOUL FROM TROUBLES” – (Proverbs 21:23)