PROVERBS 1 10:19–21
Someone made the lovely observation that “shallow streams make the most noise,” a delightful twist on the adage “Still waters run deep.” In fact, he meant that loudmouths typically lack much to say.
The book of Proverbs makes the speech its centerpiece (Proverbs 10:19–21; 15:1-4,23,28; 16:24, 27–28; 18:7-8; 21:23).
According to Ecclesiastes 3:7, “a time to be silent and a time to speak” exists. A respectful and attentive silence is the best kind of silence. It results in proper hearing, comprehension, and speech.
Furthermore, along with listening to others, we ought to hear from God. Imagine Jesus writing in the sand with His finger as the Pharisees condemned the adulterous woman (John 8:1–11). What was He doing? I would like to suggest that He might have just been waiting for His Father to speak while asking, “What shall I say to this crowd and this woman?” His reply can still be heard today all around the world.
🙏🏻 Jesus, teach us when to speak and when to be quiet.
