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How do you know when to speak up and when to remain silent?
The writer of Ecclesiastes observed that there is both a time and a purpose for everything.
He then goes on to list some of those contrasting times.
One of them addresses
“a time to be silent and a time to speak.”
Ecclesiastes 3:7
Jesus demonstrated both. He was not a bit shy about speaking God’s Truth both to individuals and groups.
However, there were times when He certainly had the right to speak and He didn’t.
So how do we know when to speak up and when to be silent?
It is important to know, even if you feel strongly about something, it is not always right to “speak your mind.” There are times when it is better to keep silent.
Number One is ask God whether to speak or remain silent.
If He tells you to speak, here are a few simple guidelines.
Before speaking, check your heart. I do not mean, “Take your pulse,” although if we did, we probably would find many people have a racing heartbeat because their response is Adrenalin driven.
Check your heart because Jesus said,
“A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.”
Luke 6:45
Jesus also said,
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
John 13:34-35
So before you speak, stop and consider
whether what you are speaking is motivated by love for the person or persons to whom you are speaking.
Next, Jesus taught principles of living. He did exactly what He said He came to do.
“I have come that they (you) may have life, and have it to the full.”
John 10:10
So we don’t find Jesus dictating or even debating specific laws. His focus was much wider than one specific group of people.
He knew first you change hearts. And those with changed hearts will change the way they live.
Consider whether what you are saying is limited to changing someone’s opinion or whether you want to change their life by presenting them with The Gift of Love.
Jesus had one simple way of speaking The Truth, The Whole Truth and nothing but The Truth.
He said,
“For I did not speak on My Own, but The Father Who sent Me commanded Me to say all that I have spoken.”
John 12:49
Consider whether what you are saying is what God is telling you to say at that moment.
Many of us maverick off with our own preconceived notions and we
try to proof text with God’s Words to back up our opinion.
Before speaking, clear your mind and come to God as a blank page. Ask Him first of all what He wants to tell you.
Then ask Him if you are supposed to share all or part of what He told you.
If He wants you to share, ask Him how He wants you to share.
And then ask Him when He wants you to share.
Then continue to remain open to what He tells you moment by moment. I have done all the above and been in the middle of presenting what I thought God wanted me to say and then hear Him tell me to add, subtract or change what I was saying.
It is important to stay tuned in at every moment, even as you are speaking.
Finally, know in whatever way you are communicating, you are God’s Representative.
Do not use His Word to proof text your own words. But do use His Words as He directs to illuminate The Truth, show The Way and bring The Light and Life.
The writer of Proverbs was right.
Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!
Proverbs 15:23
