Knowing When to Speak

Naturally, when we are not opening our mouths, we are more inclined to open our ears– whether toward others or toward God. We are forced into self-reflection and obedience in our silence, which will only further our ability to listen to the Spirit.- Scripture tells us that silence can help us avoid sinning (Proverbs 10:19), gain respect (Proverbs 11:12), and is deemed wise and intelligent (Proverbs 17:28). In other words, you may be blessed by holding your tongue. – Meredith Hodge

For us to distinguish the difference between knowing when to speak or be silent, we need to humbly seek the Lord through prayer, immerse ourselves in Scripture, and ask for his wisdom and discernment. Eventually, refraining from speaking in certain situations means we are practicing self-control. Trust me, maintaining this serenity can be challenging!  However, not speaking when we are supposed to, can be as well detrimental. We need to boldly speak the truth in love, with confidence and without fear, but walking with the Lord.  This means that we must give justice to the weak and fatherless that is, ‘’Defend the rights of the poor orphans, be fair to the needy and helpless. Rescue them from the power of the wicked’’ (Psalm 82:4), We must speak to correct oppression and utter wisdom. Remember, that ‘’the words of good people are wise, and they are always fair’’ (Psalm 37:30),’’Learn to do right, see that justice is done – help those who are oppressed, give orphans their rights and defend the widows’’. (Isaiah 1:17).  Since, when we quietly take the backseat to injustice, we are doing more harm than good in our silence. More so, if we allow fear to stop us from speaking when we are supposed to or sharing the gospel with others then not speaking in this situation is more detrimental than helpful. ‘’Instead, we always speak as God wants us to, because he has judged us worthy to be entrusted with the Good News. We do not try to please people, but to please God, who tests our motives’’. (1 Thessalonians 2:4).  Remember, in (Acts 18: 9,) The Lord said to Paul, “Do not be afraid, but keep on speaking and do not give up, for l am with you. No one will be able to harm you, for many in this city are my people’’.

 Similarly, we should speak with courage and boldness when we find a member(s) of our family, or congregation or colleagues at work, doing the wrong thing.  We should not keep quiet out of fear because not speaking may be more harmful to the entire family, society and church. You can imagine if Chris’s disciples did not speak with courage and boldness after the death of Our Lord, you and l would not know the gospel.  However, we should be careful not to speak when we are angry. Silence is best in moment of anger. When we are angry, there is the likelihood that we may go overboard and would lose the understanding and judgement of the Holy Spirit. ‘’Remember this, my dear brothers and sisters, everyone must be quick to listen, but slow to speak and slow to become angry. Human anger does not achieve God’s righteous purpose’’-(James,1: 19-20).

 Let us pray therefore, that ‘’everything we do or say, should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as we give thanks through Him to God the Father’’ (Colossians 3: 17). Amen.