Guiding Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7 - “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens... a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak…”
- One of the most powerful lessons we can learn as believers is recognize when to speak and when to be silent. Christians can either make or break our witness based on what we say, how we say it, and when we say it. Many times, we do great damage because we talk too much and don’t listen enough.
- Being silent at the right time is a sign of wisdom.
- Proverbs 17:28 - “Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.”
- Silence can keep you out of trouble.
- Proverbs 21:23 - “Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.”
- Proverbs 10:19 - “Transgression is at work where people talk too much, but anyone who holds his tongue is prudent.”
- Silence can help us receive advice or instruction.
- Psalm 62:5-6 - “My soul, wait in silence for God only, For my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be shaken.”
- Psalm 37:7 - “Be silent in the LORD’s presence and wait patiently for him. Don’t be angry because of the one whose way prospers or the one who implements evil schemes.”
- Sometimes silence is necessary before something significant happens.
- God was silent for 400 years before the birth of Christ.
- Zechariah lost his ability to speak before the birth of his son John due to his lack of faith (Luke 1:20)
- Even Jesus only spoke what God told Him to say and how He told Him to say it (John 12:49).
- At the same time, we can’t keep silent when God has specifically called us to speak out.
- Galatians 6:1 - “Brothers, even if a person is caught in some transgression, you who are spiritual should correct that one in a gentle spirit, looking to yourself, so that you also may not be tempted.”
- Proverbs 31:9 - “Speak up, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the afflicted and oppressed.”
- Ultimately, we need God’s help to know when to speak and what to say.
- Psalm 141:3 - “O LORD, set a guard at my mouth. Keep watch over the door of my lips.
- Moses was afraid to go before Pharaoh because of his stutter, but God promised to give him what to say (Exodus 4).
Action Step: Read the scriptures outlined in this episode and ask yourself the following questions: 1) In what ways does God want me to be silent when I want to speak; and 2) in what ways does He want me to speak when I want to be silent?
