Silence Would Be Golden

 

Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent. Proverbs 11:12

 

My mother taught me, “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt.”

It was a little insulting. She explained that she was trying to teach me that when I was uninformed about an issue, I would learn more by listening than I would by speaking about something of which I had little (or no) knowledge.

I think about my mother’s teaching, as well as Proverbs 11:12 (top), as I scroll through Facebook and continue to see political rants. I am sure there are many who assume that, because I am a conservative Christian, I voted for Trump. Some Christians hear I did not vote for Mr. Trump and assume I voted for Hilary Clinton. I did not. A third party candidate was the only possible choice for me this year – obviously, my guy lost.

What is lingering on for me is how it seems that everyone is belittling their neighbor in one way or another over this election….still. People who I thought were kind and gentle, accepting of others, have shown their sinful natures. Born-again Christians seem to have lost their self-control as they rant because others are appalled by what “their” president is doing.

When I re-read this verse from Proverbs 11 today, I was reminded how nonsensical it all is. These rants show a lack of sense and belittle our neighbors (the same ones we are called to love).

“A man of understanding remains silent.” These are God’s Words.  This silence is from belittling others. If we have some truly helpful information or suggestions to add to the conversation – speak up.

Now, I will try to be quiet (unless I think I have enough knowledge to be helpful), pray, and bow to God’s sovereign rule over our nation.

Proverbs 21:1 assures us, “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will.”

Enough said.