"In the multitude of words there wanted not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise."
Proverbs 10:19
Part 2
Yesterday:
“In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin.”
The more we say, the more apt to sin with the words we are using.
Today:
“But he that refraineth his lips is wise.
Here is what the wise man or woman does, conserves their words…
“He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding” (Proverbs 17:27-28).
Growing up, I remember the old-timers saying, “Silence is golden!” They had a valid point. Here are three thoughts about silence that may help us.
Silence is wise when more talk would be pointless to persuade.[1]
When the person(s) we seek to help already has their minds made up, more words piled on may not help convince them. Maybe it is time for silence. Leave them with a verse of scripture, and let the Holy Spirit do His work.
Silence is, at times, more believable than talk.
“Talk is cheap.” And “actions speak louder than words.” Doing the right thing proves what is in the heart more than just talking about it. Let’s not be talkers only, but doers!
Silence does not automatically mean there is agreement.
When Jehovah kept silent in the Old Testament, it was not because He agreed but because He was angered! It is easy for a person to say one thing while they are planning something else.
“My companion stretched out his hand against his friends; he violated his covenant. His speech was smooth as butter, yet war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords” (Psalm 55:20-21).
Don’t take a person’s silence for his/her agreement.
When we do speak, we need to remember,
“We have two ears and but one tongue, that we may hear much and talk little”[2] (Thomas).
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19).
Quote: “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer” (Psalm 19:14).
[1] These three ideas for “silence” are borrowed from The Preacher’s Complete Homiletical Commentary, the electronic version in eSword. By editing, these thoughts were changed from their original wording for our use.
[2] D. Thomas, D.D.’s quote is from The Biblical Illustrator, the electronic version in eSword.