Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Silence is Golden—and Prudent

Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is considered prudent. Proverbs 17:28 

Solomon in his wisdom wrote about a time for everything…There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven. ... A time to be silent and a time to speak. Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7. So there is a time when we just need to refrain from talking—and by doing so we may look wise in someone’s eyes. But are we really wise or prudent? That wisdom may be reflected in quiet. Sometimes we just need to have some quiet time in our lives; time when we don’t have to listen to anyone—even ourselves. There are times when those around us need to have some quiet time, too. It is good to not to have to do a running commentary on what we did—or didn’t do—today. Our minds need time for silence to process what we have seen and heard. Do you give and take time for silence?

Training Tip – Just as we need a time of silence, our children do, too. Encourage them to learn to enjoy a time of quiet every day. That doesn’t mean that they have to sit perfectly still during that quiet time, but they need to respect others quiet time and not speak or make noise during that time. Set an alarm/timer to ring when the quiet time for the day is over. Help your children and grandchildren learn to enjoy both the quiet and the talking time by encouraging them and sharing with them that you enjoy quiet. It is a good time to talk to the Lord. Be sure to set aside an equal time for listening just to your children, too. Focusing your attention on them will help build their self esteem, which is critical to character development. 

Lord God, help us to keep our mouths shut and not babble on like fools. Give us grace to encourage our children and grandchildren to enjoy a time of silence.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.
© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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