Silence Is Golden

A truly wise person uses few words;a person with understanding is even-tempered.Even fools are thought to be wise when they keep silent;when they keep their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.

Proverbs 17:27-28

Don’t you just love how much we are learning in the book of Proverbs about words? Here we learn that sometimes silence is golden. Of course there are many times when it’s good to talk things out, when it’s good to speak encouraging words, to be friendly, to instruct, to share your faith.

But there are also times when actions speak louder than words. Many people say that when they’re grieving, they don’t need people to come and make conversation. They don’t need people to give them lots of advice to try to cheer them up. They just need the comfort of companionship, a listening ear, someone to cry with them or just to let them know they care.

Our proverb today says, “A truly wise person uses few words.” So let me give a final little list of times when less is more.

• Complaining. If you have the urge to complain, truthfully, save your breath. No one really wants to hear about it.
• Criticizing. That’s a ditto.
• Sarcasm. Somehow we think sarcasm is clever. Actually, it’s not. It often has a mean edge, and it’s a really bad habit.
• And last but not least, gossip. If you can’t stop, try duct tape. No, really. Whatever it takes, just knock it off.

Make It Personal . . . Live It Out!

I’m still smiling about the bluntness of our proverb today: “Even fools are thought to be wise when they keep silent; when they keep their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.”

Let’s make a list of things we can do that show “actions speak louder than words.” I have a strained relationship with a friend who is not ready to “talk it out.” I have expressed care and concern in words, but now I need to “walk the talk.” Do I really care? Then God is calling me to be faithful to pray for her. God is asking me to continuously refuse bitter, angry thoughts. And God is calling me to speak kindly of her when her name is mentioned. And when I can’t, silence is golden.

One Year Bible Reading

2 Kings 9:14–10:31; Acts 17:1-34; Psalm 144:1-15; Proverbs 17:27-28