“Even a fool is thought to be wise when he remains silent; he is thought to be prudent when he keeps his mouth shut.” Prov. 17:28.
In one of the ancient folklore fables a story of a donkey was told. The donkey walking through the woods finds the skin of a lion. Hunters had killed the lion and left the skin to dry in the sun. The donkey put on the lion’s skin and was delighted to discover that all the other animals were terrified of him and ran away when he appeared. Rejoicing in his newfound respect, the donkey brayed his happiness. He went about shouting in utter excitement at the respect he was getting. However with this singular action, he gave himself
away by his voice. Other animals realises he looked like a lion but spoke and behaved like a donkey. The moral of the fable was clear: fine clothes may disguise, but silly words will disclose a fool.
It's very important that we all learn the mystery of watching our words. We must discover the art of learning to talk less and say more. Do you know who I really appreciate? Those people who aren’t uncomfortable with silence. Those people with whom you can sit at a table and have a delicious meal and not feel uncomfortable when none of you has anything to say. I love people who can communicate with one another not just with words but also with silence. I am sure that you have experienced being with someone who just could not stand a moment of silence, so he or she filled every gap of silence with speaking even if it was not relevant. Some people are convinced that to display wisdom you must keep speaking even if it's telling a lie.
It seems to me that a lot of times we talk just so we won’t keep quiet, thinking that silence is something to be ashamed about, something to be avoided. But, it’s not. There’s nothing wrong with silence. I don’t know how we got this idea that silence is awkward and that it should be avoided at all costs. In fact, two verses that I enjoy from the book of Proverbs address this issue bluntly. Consider this verse of the bible next time you are ready to open your mouth: Prov. 10:19, “Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.” may God grant us access to the wisdom of silence.
FURTHER READING:
“I wish you’d all just shut up. Then at least you would appear to be wise.” Job. 13:5.
“You must understand this, my dear brothers. Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” James. 1:19.
DECLARATION:
Dear Abba Father, thank You for the privilege of being in the land of the living. Lord, I receive the wisdom to know when to speak and when to remain silent. Help me to be quick to listen and slow to speak. Give me the discernment to recognize those moments when my silence might be more valuable than my words. Help me to create space in my life for Your voice to be heard above mine in Jesus name, amen.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Gen. 25:1-46.
Gen. 26:1-75.
Gen. 27:1-66.
Gen. 28:1-20.
QUOTE FOR THE DAY:
“Silence Is The Bedrock Where Wisdom Is Groom. The Quieter You Become The Wiser You Appear.”
