Day 177
2 Kings 9:14‐10:31; Acts 17:1‐34; Psalm 144:1‐15; Proverbs 17:27‐28
Silence Is Golden
“A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered. Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent and discerning if he holds his tongue.” – Proverbs 17:27-28
What powerful words are these two short verses from the Proverbs. They show us just how true are those famous words, “Silence is golden.” There is much wisdom in not saying anything if you don’t have something meaningful to add to the conversation or if the words that come out of your mouth are inappropriate to the discussion.
How many times in our lives do we open our mouths and insert our foot? The apostle Peter was great at it. Hindsight is 20/20 and many times helps us see the folly of our misspoken words. But how much more intelligent we appear if we just don’t say anything? Also, when we keep silence it allows us to listen to what others are saying. This takes practice, and the Holy Spirit helps those who feel that they must say something rather than remain quiet.
Lord, help us today to listen more than we speak. Help us to hear your voice on the lips of those we encounter. When we do talk, may our words be of you and not of ourselves.
Phyllis Bartle