Knowing when not to speak

‘The wise don’t make a show of their knowledge, but fools broadcast their foolishness.’ Proverbs 12:23 NLT

Someone else’s need to know shouldn’t determine your need to speak. When a friend of Jesus wanted to stop His arrest, Jesus said, ‘Do you think I cannot call on My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?’ (Matthew 26:53 NIV). When Jesus stood in Pilate’s judgement hall, Pilate didn’t have the power; Jesus did! Yet, the Bible says that Jesus ‘… was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open His mouth; …’ (Isaiah 53:7 NIV). He just stood there and said nothing. Why? Because He was not on trial, Pilate was. Jesus knew His destiny, and, more importantly, He knew His heavenly Father intimately. And when you know God, you can face anything with confidence—and feel free to say nothing.

Sometimes the wisest thing is to say, ‘I don’t have the answer right now. But I will think about it, pray, and get back to you.’ ‘The wise don’t make a show of their knowledge, but fools broadcast their foolishness’ (Proverbs 12:23 NLT). When people are anxious for answers, they will try to pressure you into speaking before you have all the facts or have had a chance to pray and consider the situation carefully. If you ask God, He will tell you what to say and when to say it. His promise is, ‘I have put My words in your mouth and covered you with the shadow of My hand …’ (Isaiah 51:16 NIV). Pride says, ‘Don’t just stand there; say something!’ Wisdom says, ‘Don’t just say something; stand there!’ Quietly ask God for insight. One thought from God can solve the problem in a hurry.