The Wisdom of Silence

“A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.” (Pr 29:11 AV)

James tells us that the man that can tame his tongue is a perfect man.  If he can control ever word that comes out of his mouth, he is a sinless man.  That is the degree to which our thoughts and words can desecrate our souls.  When it come to a fool (which we all are to some degree or another), if it’s on his mind, he has to say it.  I am reminded of an incident which occurred just yesterday that proves the point.

Relaying the details would only repeat the lack of judgment, I must be vague.  Yesterday was a busy and labor filled day.  There were many hands helping.  Many opportunities for conversation.  On one such occasion, as a way to make conversation, I mentioned a few facts that others really didn’t need to know.  It wasn’t a matter of confidentiality or a revelation of past faults.  It wasn’t a reveal that would harm me in a spiritual way.  It wasn’t speech that would draw suspicion on my testimony.  It wasn’t inappropriate jesting or conversation. There was no wickedness at all.  To speak of these facts of which I shared at a latter date and in the past tense would have been fine.  However, give the present circumstances and hypothetical consequences, it was not the wisest thing to share.

The wise think quickly before they share a word.  They think of the ramifications of sharing information.  Can the individual be trusted?  Do they really need to know?  What do I hope to accomplish with such a statement?  What is my motive?  Could the conversation wait until later and under different circumstances?  Just because it is on our mind and we may not think it would be harmful to share it, doesn’t mean we should.  Wisdom is knowing what to say, when to say it, and how to say it.