Saying...Nothing
When Silence May Be The Wiser Voice
“Wise are those who restrain their talking; people with understanding are cool-headed. Fools who keep quiet are deemed wise; those who shut their lips are smart.” Proverbs 17:27–28
A Wise Man Once Said...Nothing
We have many chances to say nothing but rarely seize the opportunity.
I’m still learning this one, my friends.
There are moments when I feel the need to explain myself, defend myself, correct someone, add what I know, or make sure my side of the story is heard.
And sometimes the wisest, most loving thing I can say is absolutely nothing.
When Silence Loves
Silence can protect another person when gossip invites us into a conversation that isn’t ours.
It can give someone room to discover an answer instead of proving that we already know it.
And sometimes silence keeps us from defending ourselves when Love is asking us to trust Abba with our reputation.
Not every truth needs to be spoken by me.
Not every misunderstanding needs correcting today.
Not every silence needs to be filled.
Listening Before Speaking
Jesus said He did not speak on His own, but spoke what He heard from His Father.
What freedom there is in that.
The goal isn’t to become quieter people.
It is to become people who are so attentive to Love that we increasingly know what to say, when to say it, and when saying nothing may say it best.
Words can bring Life...and so can silence.
Reflection
When have my words recently added more heat than Life?
Where might Love be inviting me to remain quiet?
What could I hear if I stopped preparing what I wanted to say?
Prayer
Abba Father, teach me to hear Your voice before using mine. Give me wisdom to know when to speak and when Love is better expressed through silence. Amen.