Written by: T. Edward Tucker

There is some wisdom in the old adage that it is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out, and remove all doubt. What this means, of course, is that keeping quiet is better than saying something foolish, and saying nothing at all is sometimes profound in its eloquence. This precept is found in Proverbs 17. There we read:

“Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; [When] he shuts his lips, [he is considered] perceptive.” – Proverbs 17:28

We find a similar precept in the book of Job. There we read: “Oh, that you would be silent, and it would be your wisdom…! (Job 13:5). The important thing is to discern between when it is best to say something, or to say nothing. For example, it is better to keep quiet about topics with which we are not familiar, or where we don’t have the full story. Proverbs 18:3 says that he who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him. On the other hand, if we see sin, we should not be afraid to confront it and call it what it is. We are not left on our own to determine how to handle that situation, as it is covered very well in Matthew 18.

Today, let us exercise discernment and speak when appropriate. Let us walk in wisdom (Colossians 4:5), let us not be hypocritical (Matthew 23:13), and let us ask the Lord to keep watch over our lips (Psalm 141:3). In as much as depends on us, let us be live peaceably with all men (Romans 12:8), because even a fool is counted wise when he keeps his peace.

Written by: T. Edward Tucker | © 2011 copyright reserved

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