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Sometimes Silence is Better

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 (NIV)

Silence is golden! I could never really understand what that meant until I put it into practice for myself. Now, I know why silence is golden. Silence is golden because your words are priceless. Silence is what allows you to decipher when you should speak or when you should simply keep silent; it builds self-restraint. 

But it takes practice. It’s not something you can just decide to do and automatically master. 

This passage says that even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent. Being silent when you have a strong urge to say something is challenging, especially if you feel justified in what you want to say. Nothing is quite as discomforting as biting your tongue when you're in the right. However, you must do it sometimes. Often, our need to always have something to say hinders how God wishes to move. Furthermore, God frequently needs us to be silent to hear Him speak even in the most troublesome situations. 

When you want to give an opinion, or when you want to use your words to defend yourself, proceed with wisdom. Think before you speak, and you may surprise yourself by realizing that opening your mouth isn't worth it. 

Please don't make it a habit to speak on things you should remain quiet about. 

Have you mastered the art of silence? If not, now is a perfect time to begin.

Meditation: 

James 1:19

Prayer: 

Father, help me to keep silent when needed. Please give me the discipline to monitor my words and use them maturely- in a way that presents glory to Your name.  In Jesus' name, Amen.