Twice As Important, Silence over Speaking

It is our nature to open mouth, and insert our explanations or comments without waiting for the whole story, much less a complete sentence. An interjection is an interruption. Often impolite and giving the image that what you have to say is more important than the speaker! It has the power to take over the conversation and wander down many a rabbit trail.

This is the problem of many people. Perhaps even myself.

Our collective problem is that we seldom listen well enough to understand the other side of the coin, and rather focus on what we have to say instead. Our rebuttal is based on our perception of the flow and not necessarily the direction intended.

Perhaps it would be simply wiser to learn to listen better, and know when to respond and practice on responding well.

I am sure that a lawyer and politician must have this skill in their toolbox. It’s probably used every day, and often with every speaker.

“Tis better to be silent and be thought a fool,
than to speak and remove all doubt.” ~Abraham Lincoln

Just as Muhammad Ali stated, “Silence is golden when you can’t think of a good answer”, sometimes it’s best to say nothing. You can learn a lot when you keep your words to yourself. “Silence is the sleep that nourishes wisdom.” (Francis Bacon)

“Choose silence of all virtues,
for by it you hear other men’s imperfections,
and conceal your own.” ~George Bernard Shaw 

What we say often represents how we think. How we interrupt often shows how thoughtless we are, and that our attention span is very, very short. What you say can be regretted, what you think can only be censored by yourself. If you have ever started off a conversation with, “I probably shouldn’t say this, but…” then you probably have just found a time and place to keep your thoughts to yourself!

There is a season for speech, just as their is a season for silence. Learning to understand the season is a lesson well learned.

Here’s my thought today. Jesus often spoke truth to an audience and there was no rebuttal. Silence was a common response. He understood the ability to be silent when in a time of trouble and it was prophesied that he would be silent during his troubles.

He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth. (Isaiah 53:7 NKJV) (Acts 8:32)

He opened not his mouth…simply means there’s nothing you have to say about it. Even when being fleeced, keep silent.

This is the other side of our problem – silence. We wail and moan at our “lot in life” and struggle with keeping the path of our journey silent from others around us. The conversation is all about “me” and what “I” am experiencing. You are your own center of focus and you want to bring all others attention to you.

Somewhat selfish, I would think.

How many times have you been around someone who constantly drones on about their problems? I’ve learned that being silent is a good answer. Do not ask for more information. Do not commiserate. Learn how to divert the conversation by saying nothing.

“Nothing strengthens authority so much as silence.” ~Leonardo da Vinci

I think it’s important to learn the peace of silence, the power of not having to speak, and the joy of listening to the real world around us instead of the jangling technology that comes out of speakers everywhere. The cacophony of noise that pierces our very peace. How can we enjoy our Spiritual journey when everything we involve ourselves in revolves around noise?

Sometimes it from the clamoring of our dire situations that we need to find God in the quite of the moment. This was true from God’s perspective to Elijah.

And there he went into a cave, and spent the night in that place; and behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and He said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” So he said, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.” Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the LORD.” And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. So it was, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him, and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
(1 Kings 19:9-13 NKJV)

Even though Elijah heard God at the entrance into the cave, and he was wont to simply describe all the problems he faced, and surely God had an answer for him, But God had different plans. Listen. In the wind, earthquake, and fire, God created these things but our answer is not found in his ability. God wanted to show him the mighty storms that could happen, and God would not be found in them.The Amplified version describes how God is found in the still small voice where was the gentle stillness.

Stillness. Quiet. Perceiving God. This is where our perception grows. This is where our understanding is strengthened. This is where we get our answers. Do you want to build yourself up? It happens in the silence. Not the noise. Find that quietness of God and perceive his display of power and love. You will find your answers here.