Silence, Who Would Have Thought?

“What you know, I also know; I am not inferior to you. But I desire to speak to the Almighty and to argue my case with God. You, however, smear me with lies; you are worthless physicians, all of you! If only you would be altogether silent! For you, that would be wisdom.” – Job 13:2-5

Reflecting on the story of Job, I find it interesting to examine the helpfulness, (or rather UNhelpfulness) of Job’s friends during the midst of his most trying and difficult circumstances. Initially Job’s friends sat with him for seven days. They did not say a word. But once that first week was over, Job’s friends could not stand it any longer and just HAD to open their mouths to offer a word of “comfort” and “aid”. What were meant to be healing words of wisdom were interpreted by Job as being insensitive and arrogant lies. As a result, Job’s friends merely added to the intense inner turmoil that Job was already experiencing. The lesson learned from all of this is that nobody has all of the answers to suffering, so we need not pretend that we do. There are times in life when we can show more wisdom by keeping our mouths shut than by offering a word of advice, comfort, encouragement, or instruction.

Proverbs 17:28 says “Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent.”

And Proverbs 18:2 “A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinion.”

Instead of speaking and trying to explain away one’s difficult circumstances, we should be a shoulder to cry on, ears to listen, and a person to lean on. Sometimes it is infinitely better to hold the advice and just shut up to listen.

Reflection Questions

Do I take pleasure in understanding others?

Do I delight too much in sharing my own opinion?

In what circumstances would it be better to listen than to speak?