THE WISDOM OF SILENCE (3)

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

By the WISDOM of SILENCE, we can know what situations require Silence rather than Speech: “Oh, that you would be SILENT, and it would be your WISDOM!” (Job13:5). Speaking right words, especially Words of Faith, is empowering. So is Silence, when it derives from a place of spiritual strength. Yes, there are times when we need to speak. The righteous are bold as a lion, and remaining silent due to timidity or intimidation is not Wisdom. But in other instances, Wisdom is silent. While the world speaks whatever comes to mind, we as Believers are called 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). As we harness the power of holding our tongue, we are able to protect our blessings from the enemy’s grip.

Here are Four instances in which Silence can be 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). Ephesians 4:26 also says, “Be angry, and do not sin: do not let the sun go down on your wrath” (Eph.4:26). When we are angry is when we want to speak the most. We have something to say! But this is one of those times when we should stay silent, because our words would more likely be fleshly than Spirit-inspired. Speaking when we’re angry opens the door to sin, causes strife and turns one into a fool (Pro.29:11). It takes two to fight, and we can save ourselves from the pain of words that can’t be taken back, no matter how much we regret them. We must not allow the devil to get us out of alignment or push us off the line of walking in love in order to steal our blessings.

Facing Accusation: “But He answered him not one word, so that the governor marveled greatly” (Mt.27:14). Jesus sometimes responded when accused; sometimes He didn’t. How do we know when to speak or stay silent? By starting off silent and listening for the leading of the Holy Spirit. It’s tempting to defend oneself, but God says He is our Avenger (Rom.12;19). We can trust Him to bring us justice. He does a much better job than we ever could! A defence can even make things worse, especially when we respond from a place of offense or emotion.

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. It’s time to stay silent, change subject, or walk away Scriptures warn severally against the wickedness 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 puts one in a powerless position. It’s like giving the driver’s seat of one’s life to others. It stirs up an ungrateful heart, whereas we have a whole lot of things to be thankful for. It was God’s will for the Israelites to conquer, possess and enjoy the bounty of their Promised Land, but most of them fell short because of murmuring. We’re tempted to complain about a wide range of things such as: the weather, the traffic, government, the company, boss, or co-worker. We might even have complained against God! Every time we complain, we go around in a circle and keep our breakthrough from coming. Rather than complain, it’s time to pause and reflect, and then shift gear, and start praising and thanking God for all that we are and everything we have.