Proverbs 17:28 Even a fool is considered wise when he keeps silent, discerning, when he seals his lips.
There are times in which remaining silent is powerful and in which the absence of words have an even greater influence and authority than any words that could be spoken. Knowing when to remain silent takes discernment. It also takes practice. Seeing and recognizing when it would be better to remain silent also takes experience and wisdom which is only gained through knowledge and understanding.
Ecclesiastes 3:7 a time to tear and a time to sew; a time to be silent and a time to speak;
Job 15:13 Should he argue with useless talk or with words that serve no good purpose?
Amos 5:13 Therefore the prudent man keeps quiet in such times, for the times are evil.
Matthew 26:62-63 The high priest then stood up and said to him, “Don’t you have an answer to what these men are testifying against you?” But Jesus kept silent.
It is not necessary that we have a reply or answer to every question asked of us. We do not have to always have the last word. To determine when it is best to remain silent, before saying anything first think of what Christ Jesus would do and what would be lost, or gained, in any given circumstance.
Job 6:24 “Teach me, and I will be quiet; show me where I have been wrong.”
Ecclesiastes 9:17 The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools.
Oftentimes too, there is more to be heard in silence than in constant chatter or shouting. It’s those times in which we are able to silently listen for Yahweh’s voice who teaches us. In order to hear Her quiet wisdom, we must silence ourselves and our minds and spirits.
Psalm 131:2 But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me.
Isaiah 18:4 This is what the LORD says to me: “I will remain quiet and will look on from my dwelling place, like shimmering heat in the sunshine, like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest.”
Lamentations 3:26 it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.
1 Peter 3:4 Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.
There are times in which we all crave a moment of silence and are in need of some peace and quiet. And while there can be great power in silence; we can also find peace as well as an opportunity to grow in being quiet.