Quiet, Please!

“Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.” (Proverbs 21:23)

It is now almost an extreme sport to find a quiet place in our fast-paced, schedule-driven world. It is said that a coal-fired power plant can be heard as far as fifteen miles away, while a chainsaw cuts the quiet for more than five miles. Even the hum of power lines can be heard upward of two miles. And how do you even measure the unbridled noise in many neighbourhoods today?

Everywhere you turn to; there is a cacophony of voices seeking/giving attention concerning practically every issue under heaven. Indeed, some folks have become “opinion merchants” (meaning, they get paid for analysing the news) in our climes. In other words, you might want to reconsider when next you’re about to vituperate over any issue if it is worth it.

The secret of cultivating quietness in our spiritual lives is becoming a lost art. Our generation of Christians is being drained and weakened by an abundance of noise. Yet, Scripture teaches that in quietness is strength (Isaiah 30:15). Believe it or not, there is a time to be quiet (Ecclesiastes 3:7b).

Our all-knowing Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ understood when not to talk. As He listened to the false accusations before the High Priest, Pilate, and Herod, “...He opened not His mouth.” (Isaiah 53:7). In the silence, Jesus fulfilled the master plan of man’s redemption! There are times to be quiet and say nothing, even if you have certain information. Refrain when you know you will not make a positive contribution by what you intend to say.

Missionary Jim Elliot once wrote in his journal, “Satan is quite aware of the power of silence.” To be drawn into the Lord’s quietness is a gentle reassurance that He is not through with us yet. Before the children of Israel compassed the city of Jericho, Joshua commanded them,“...neither shall any word proceed out of your mouth, until the day I bid you shout...” Victory would be dependent on quietness.

The tongue determines our happiness in life; our usefulness to the Lord; and how healthy we are. It is man's greatest spiritual indicator. Like the steering wheel to a giant truck, the tongue, though small, drives us through life unto our destination. The question is: where is yours leading you to?

If we are looking to enjoy life and see good days, we must start by guarding our tongues, watching our mouths, and keeping a tight rein on what we say. The words we speak tell more than just a good story. They inform others what we think of them and of the world. Our words can bless and they can curse. It is important to acknowledge that we have complete control over what passes through our lips.

Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth; thou art taken with the words of thy mouth. (Proverbs 6:2).

This scripture scared me when I first came across it. In fact, the initial title for this meditation was: “How Not To Jeopardise Your Next Breakthrough.” Really, how many people have frustrated the grace of God in their lives with their own mouths? It is the little indiscretions that usually lead to unfulfilled dreams.

Joseph, a pleasant young man didn’t know that he ought not to share all his future plans with others (no matter how close!). How often have you felt dejected when your expectations fail to materialise after telling some people about them beforehand? I don’t know about you, but I have had a fair share of that unpleasant experience. It took a while for me to realise that it was not just a mere coincidence.

Recently, I read about Qaphela Gobodo, a young aspiring South African rugby player whose story illustrates the point. In 2016, Qaphela won a rugby scholarship from a prestigious school in Pretoria while still a student of Bergrivier High School, Wellington, where he was the only black kid in the rugby team. He gleefully told his teammates about the scholarship, unaware of their jealousy or evil plan against him.

On a fateful afternoon, Qaphela was knocked unconscious by a golf stick on his way out of the bathroom. And when he woke up he noticed he had been set on fire! It took exceptional bravery and presence of mind for him to reach water that quenched the fire. Qaphela was admitted to the hospital for 4 months and has undergone 20 surgeries just to stay alive. His attackers remain unknown to date.

Your mouth and tongue are two of your greatest tools. If you will keep them under control and only speak the right words at the right time, your life will be blessed. It is unguarded speech that often gets men into all sorts of trouble.

People often get into trouble by filthy or foolish talking, and jesting that damage reputation; hurt others’ feelings, and waste time. Are you a complainer or someone who talks negatively about others? You will be known for being wicked, and you will create enmity and strife. God despises such speech, though they are very popular with the present generation. He is coming soon to judge the world for these very sins.

You can also get into trouble through unnecessary arguments and debates. Wise people listen rather than talk (Proverbs 17:27-28). God’s ministers must reject foolish and unlearned questions, for they are the marks of fools and scorners. Spouses, children, and friends can easily be hurt by cutting words. Harsh words stir up anger and cause fights to escalate (Proverbs 15:1). Relationships are destroyed, bitterness created, and the future ruined by wrong words.

So, how do you avoid trouble with your mouth and tongue? Silence is best in moments of anger. When angry, there’s a high likelihood that your words will not be produced by the Holy Spirit. James 1:19 instructs us: “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.”?

How to start? Cut your words by 50%, for too many words always contain sin (Proverbs 10:19). Emphasize slowing down and listening before speaking. Remember that you will give an account for every idle word and be judged for your words. Like David, pray “Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips” (Ps 141:3).

Other steps include turning away from the TV, conversations, or any situation where wicked intent is encouraged. Seek out places, people, situations that offer and support a Godly atmosphere. “Turn away from evil and do good.” (1 Peter 3:11, NLT). Wishing things were better or right has never made them so. We must make a conscious effort and set a daily intention to face the way of righteousness.

Instead of trouble, the man who guards his mouth and tongue will enjoy the good life, guaranteed by the infallible word of God. “What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile” (Psalms 34:12-13).

Let’s conclude with this song admonition by Laurie Lamb & Brent Lamb:

Quiet please, too much has already been said?

Just let it be, and learn to listen instead?

For sometimes through the silence, big problems become small?

If you can't find something good to say?

Say nothing at all?

I pray God to help you set a watch on your lips in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Remain healthy, wealthy and wise!