We live in such a noisy world. Getting ourselves heard can be a real problem. With everyone else so busy talking, no one really seems to want to listen to what we would like to say. Should we care? Here are 10 reasons why silence and being silent can be a virtue…
1) The Psalmist advises: Be still and know that I am God. When we speak too much we often start to think that we are God. Silence reminds us that we are not.
2) When we are silent, we often really hear what the other person is saying, and sometimes even begin to understand why they are saying it.
3) When we are silent, we realise that God is not. Trouble is that He speaks in soft tones. Our voice so quickly drowns out His. When we are quiet, we are able to hear the gentle whisper of God.
4) Some wag has quipped, “Better remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.”
5) Silence releases us from the oppressive bondage of always having to have the last word. We can say what we feel we should say, without needing to trump someone elses comment. And when we don’t respond to a slur or an unfair remark, we remember that lifes highest call is not to look good – but to do good, and to genuinely be good, regardless of what others say.
6) Those who are usually silent most often actually say something when they speak.
7) Silence teaches us to communicate without having to use words.
8) Our remaining silent can help others to find their voice.
9) Silence enable thought before words, rather than the usual default of words before thought.
10) …
A shorter post than usual… I guess that is as well. As always, nice chatting…
