Being quiet isn’t all that fashionable anymore felt book these days. It’s usually the talkative person who makes the sale or gets the promotion, or the loud person who gets the laughs at a party. We tend to see a quiet person as shy, shy, timid, or isolated. We don’t think of shyness as a positive quality, but what does the Bible say about it?

 

1 Thessalonians 4:11 gives us three guidelines:

1) Live a quiet life.

2) Mind our own business.

3) Work with our hands.

 

God wants us to live quietly and in peace, paying more attention to our duties and less to those of others. Each of us should maintain a gentle and humble spirit, which shows itself in a sense of stillness in our daily speech. We should not try to attract attention by showing a false facade with empty words.

 

The Bible warns us against ungodly gossip or small talk, associating spoken words with sin and silence with wisdom, knowledge, and discernment. Proverbs 10:19 says, “Where words are many, sin is not far off, but wiseness is in keeping silent.” Could the general fear of public speaking be one way God is reminding us of His doctrine of silence? remind?

 

It only makes sense that the more we talk, the less available we are to listen and learn from others. When others speak, we should focus on what they are saying, not what we want to say next. The book of James tells us that since the tongue is a powerful weapon, we should listen quickly and speak slowly. When we speak, our speech should be full of grace (Colossians 4:6). Christians should be kind, polite, and accommodating when others speak to them without making judgmental comments.

 

Our best example is Jesus himself as shown in the gospels. When Christ’s opponents rejected his message, he neither argued nor pleaded. Instead of telling them how wrong they were , he would just silently walk away. When they were outraged, Matthew 26:63 simply tells us that Jesus was silent. Of course he spoke when it was appropriate, but when confronted with those just looking for an argument, he practiced silence, and so should we. Of all people, Jesus had the right to speak, but he often chose not to.

 

For many people, the Doctrine of Silence does not stand out as one of the main tenets of Christianity. However, all Christians are exhorted to practice this teaching. This is difficult for us because of social pressures, but a Christian who has been humbled by God’s grace and sovereignty will be brought to practice quiet humility. Our society encourages a positive self-image and high self-esteem, but these traits often lead to pride. You could say that most of us suffer more from a lack of humility than from a lack of self-esteem.

 

We should not submit to peer pressure to be loud or talk excessively. Humility and calm do not come naturally or easily because of our flesh, but when these qualities are displayed they deserve our utmost respect. Proverbs 17:28 makes God’s position clear: “Even a fool is said to be wise when he is silent, and understanding when he keeps his mouth shut.”

 

Owen Weber is the founder of Christian Data Resources, which publishes Christian books and articles on topical issues and frequently asked Bible questions. His passion is promoting Bible study by teaching others how to learn more about God’s Word. This will allow readers to decide where they Montessori busy book stand on the issues based on how they interpret God’s Word for themselves.