"The Wisdom of Silence"

 

“The Wisdom of Silence”

 

Many years ago the leadership in one of the churches I served held a meeting from which I was excluded which I found out about the next day. The following Sunday I called an impromptu after-service session, confronted them and asked what issues were discussed. After an awkward time of silence one member spoke up and filled in specifics which I answered. I then said I considered the matter closed and called on them not to share details. To my knowledge the wisdom of silence prevailed and we concluded our ministry there on a more positive note.

In one of Scripture’s “wisdom books” Solomon says there’s “…a time to be silent and a time to speak….” (Ecclesiastes 3:7). Wise discernment of circumstances determines which is appropriate in a given situation. Again hear Solomon’s words: “Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.” (Proverbs 17:28). (President Lincoln paraphrased this principle in his inimitable way: “It’s much better to keep silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.”) Some 550 years earlier Job’s friends came to “comfort” him in his grief and suffering and “…sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him….” (Job 2:13). They knew their words would be no help. But apparently they felt uncomfortable with the silence so spoke in judgment and ignorance of God’s ways to the point Job had “had it” and said, “If only you would be altogether silent! For you, that would be wisdom.” (Job 13:5). But they kept insisting Job was guilty of hidden sin and ultimately were soundly rebuked by God for their harsh words (Job 42:7-9).

About 15 times God says “Keep silent” or “Be silent” in Scripture. In Zephaniah 1:7 His prophet calls on the people of Judah to “Be silent before the Sovereign Lord….” and about 100 years later in Zechariah 2:13 another prophet told the returnees to Jerusalem to “Be still before the Lord….” In a great hymn sung in the temple God commands His worshippers to “Be silent, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” (Psalm 46:10, NLT). And let’s not forget God’s expectation that we shut our mouths and open our ears to His words expressed in Habakkuk 2:20: “…The Lord is in his holy temple. Let all the earth keep silence before Him.” (NKJV).

We can show our love and obedience by speaking with God’s wisdom and being silent to hear His voice. Let’s pray we’ll know when to practice both.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan