7. When Silence is Golden: Solomon’s Words to the Wise

7. When Silence is Golden: Solomon’s Words to the Wise.

“For everything there is a season, a right time for every activity under heaven… A time to be quiet and a time to speak up, a time for silence and a time for words.” (Ecclesiastes 3:7).

Sometimes We Speak. Think Twice Before Speaking. Discern the right time to speak up, whether during confession to God or to those whom you have hurt; or advocating for those who can’t speak  for themselves; or praising the Lord in full voice; or offering words of truth, love and encouragement; or having meaningful conversations with others. In many cases, though, keeping a thoughtful silence has been considered virtuous since ancient times.

Sometimes Silence is Best:

“Don’t impulsively shoot off your mouth or be hasty to speak before you think. Don’t be too quick to tell God what you think He wants to hear. God’s in charge, not you – The less you speak, the better. Don’t say any more than you have to, since a fool’s voice is with a multitude of words.” (Eccl. 5:2).

“The more you talk, the more likely you are to cross the line and say the wrong thing. If you are wise, you will keep quiet. The wise know how to measure their words, and the sensible person knows when to bite his tongue.” (Proverbs 10:19);

“You who have understanding will hold your tongue, and you who have good sense will know when to keep quiet. It is foolish and heartless to speak scornfully of your neighbor. If you’re smart, you will be a friend of silence.” (Prov. 11:12);

“You who guard your speech and keep a watch on your mouth will preserve your life; but you who talk too much without thinking, or speak carelessly with your lips open wide, may destroy yourself and eventually come to ruin.” (Prov. 13:3);

“You who are righteous and lovers of God know how to think carefully before speaking and ponder your answers; you who are careless tend to blurt out wicked words meant to cause harm, overflowing with evil speech.” (Prov. 15:28);

“You who have great knowledge control your tongue and use words with restraint. Those who are sure of themselves do not need to talk all the time. You who know how to stay calm and control your temper are the ones who have real insight and wisdom.” (Prov. 17:27);  

“Even fools are considered wise if they know how to keep quiet, for when he keeps his mouth shut he appears to be clever.” (Prov. 17:28);

“You are a fool if you only take pleasure in expressing your opinion rather than seeking understanding.” (Prov. 18:2);

“By talking, a fool’s words get him into constant quarrels and arguments, and he simply is asking for a beating. Do him a favor and gag him. In fact, a fool’s mouth is his ruin, and when he speaks, he only destroys himself and his lips end up being a trap and a snare for his soul.” (Prov. 18:6-7);

“If you give an answer before listening, speaking before you’ve heard the facts or before trying to understand what the other is saying, you will certainly bring folly, shame and humiliation upon yourself.” (Prov. 18:13);

“Watch your words, set a guard over your mouth, and hold your tongue; you’ll save yourself a lot of grief and trouble.” (Prov. 21:23);

“You are a fool if you unleash all your anger without thinking and lose your temper; you are wise if you learn to quietly mull things over and silently hold your anger in check.” (Prov. 29:11);  

“If you have been foolish enough to arrogantly exalt yourself over others, to boorishly call attention to yourself by offending others, learn to clamp your hand tightly over your mouth, to stop talking and start thinking.” (Prov. 30:32).