Practicing Silence, II

Posted on October 2, 2008 
Filed Under Life, Parenting, Personal, Spiritual Life

The Old Testament book of Proverbs has much about the value of guarding the tongue, letting it fall silent and speaking little. Chapter 17 is especially meaningful to me, as it seems to capture the difficulties of trying to use the tongue well.

Over in the New Testament, James addresses this subject with great eloquence. His word picture of a ship set on course by a small rudder is a perfect analogy of how a few stray words can turn the direction of a conversation, or even of an entire relationship, in a different direction.

You and I would do well to heed these great insights! I’ve almost memorized these passages, because I look at them so frequently. My heart’s desire is to be quieter in everyday life. I desperately want to slow down my tongue, express my opinion less, and be more thoughtful with my words. At the least, in so doing I’ll display a bit of wisdom (see Proverbs 17:28)!

About the value of being quiet, Francois Fenelon (1651-1715) said this:

“Silence promotes the presence of God, prevents many harsh and proud words, and suppresses many dangers in the way of ridiculing or harshly judging our neighbors… If you are faithful in keeping silence when it is not necessary to speak, God will preserve you from evil when it is right for you to talk.”

May you and I use our words well, and may those words we do speak be useful and beneficial to others.
And in those moments of quiet, may we powerfully experience God’s presence.

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