O that you would be completely silent, and that it would become your wisdom!
— Job 13:5 —
Cornelius Rivera: Evangelical Ministries of the Americas | Honduras
In Spanish-speaking countries, we say, “Habla hasta por los codos,” when referring to someone who talks too much. The literal translation is: “He even talks through his elbows.” In English, one might say, “He talks his head off.” Do you know such a person? Some just make a nuisance of themselves, rambling on about one thing or another. What do your words reveal about you? Have you learned the wisdom of silence? Others, by constantly directing their words against another, place their relationship with that person in danger. I knew a woman who continually derided, criticized, and contradicted her husband in whatever he said or did. She did this within the hearing of others, letting everyone know that in private she was no different. Another lady had the habit of giving unsolicited advice to just about everyone she met. One’s words often betray the absence of wisdom. Hearing incessant speech, criticism, or advice not requested, incites people to respond just as Job did to his unwelcome counselors: “O that you would be completely silent!” Job wished that their silence would become their wisdom, for their words revealed the opposite. Their uninvited counsel revealed a lack of wisdom and an absence of understanding. Their tongue revealed their ignorance regarding God’s work in Job’s life. As the proverb goes, “When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable” (Prov. 10:19); but, “He who restrains his words has knowledge” (Prov. 17:27). Restraining our lips—instead of expressing opinions and speculations—lets others know that we understand that God is at work, even though we might not know exactly what He is doing or why. What do your words reveal about you? Have you learned the wisdom of silence?
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