Good morning. Ecclesiastes 3:7-8 is a passage that is occasionally referenced:
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
There could be a thought for the day from each of those lines of wisdom, but for today I would like to have us consider the first half of the 2nd line, a time to be silent.
Truly, there are many times in our lives when everything within us wants to yell, speak up, let our voice be heard. But often it is better to stifle those urges and find the strength, the courage, and the wisdom to remember that there is a time to be silent.
There are times when we are angry and we want to shout, but we should remember Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exhibits foolishness.Proverbs 14:29
There are times when it is tempting to share a juicy story about another person. Please remember If you have a complaint regarding a neighbor, speak to that person directly. Do not gossip or share rumors. Proverbs 25:9
There are times when we may be vulnerable due to emotions warring within us. Please remember But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. James 3:14-16
There are times when we need to embrace the quiet for it is in those quiet moments that we are able to draw more near to our loving father God.
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10
There are times when quiet is the answer, when quiet is wise, and when quiet is the godly choice. When the time is right, do not neglect the choice of quiet. When you do so, listen for the voice of God.
Vern