"When Silence Isn't Golden"

“When Silence Isn’t Golden”

 

Long-time Major League umpire Larry Goetz once observed, “The greatest compliment an umpire receives is silence.” By this he meant he’d fulfilled his role by his work during a game if no one complained. What’s true in Goetz’s profession carries through to other areas: a job well done seldom receives the recognition it deserves.

Ecclesiastes 3:7 reminds us that there’s “…a time to be silent and a time to speak.” But there are occasions we speak when we ought to be quiet and remain mum when we should talk. For example, we’re often much more vocal with criticism than we are in giving accolades. (I’ve always appreciated a church leader with whom I had some disagreements who frequently greeted me at the close of a service by saying, “Good message!”)

An adage which probably has its roots in ancient Egypt says, “Silence is golden”. Is this true? Let’s listen to Solomon for some reasons it is. First, we stay out of trouble (“Watch your words and hold your tongue; you’ll save yourself a lot of grief.”—Proverbs 21:23, TM). We also can keep ourselves from looking foolish (“Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.”—Proverbs 17:28). And we reduce the chances of sinning by what we say (“When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise.”—Proverbs 10:19, NASB). Our Lord’s brother echoed this theme by writing, “…Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak….” (James 1:19). So it’s better to be silent than wish we had been!

But there are those occasions that call for kind and wise expression. Paul used godly words to build up believers (“We have been speaking in the sight of God as those in Christ…for your strengthening.”—2 Corinthians 12:19). We must also communicate God’s message in the right way by “…speaking the truth in love….” (Ephesians 4:15). And a word of kindness is always appropriate (“…How delightful is a timely word.”—Proverbs 15:23, NASB).

King David prayed, “Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” (Psalm 141:3). If I take this seriously both my silence and speech will be golden. Will you join me in making this request?

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan