WHEN TO SPEAK - WHEN TO BE SILENT
Gospel Reading: John 8:21-30

I could say much to you in condemnation, but no, I only tell the world what I have heard from him, the Truthful One who sent me. v. 26

When should we speak and when should we be silent? When have we spoken too much or not enough? How do we learn the difference? Today's Gospel reading answers these questions for us.

JESUS DOES NOT SPEAK WHAT WE CANNOT BEAR

Jesus said there was much about condemnation he could speak to the world, and yet he did not speak everything he knew, but only the words he heard from his Father in heaven. He also said that there was more he could have said while on the earth but the disciples were not able to bear it at that time. The same is true for us. He could tell us great spiritual mysteries unknown to us, but because he knows what we are able to bear, he does not tell us all that he could. Instead, he gauges how much to speak by knowing his audience.

LEARN THE LESSONS OF SILENCE & SOLITUDE

The most essential part of wisdom is knowing when to speak and when to be silent. Beyond the beginning step of the fear of the Lord, this is the most concrete thing I can find in Scripture about wisdom. Always be willing to be silent, then you can safely speak but do not use silence as an escape from the responsibility of speaking the truth when it is needed.

We learn the truth we must sometimes speak through Scripture and through the teaching of the church. But neither will do any good if we do not seek the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit who leads us into all truth. How do we seek the Spirit? Through focused times of long and intense prayer.

Learn the lessons of silence and of solitude. If you take time for silence, you will learn what to speak. You will learn when and where to speak it if you take time for solitude.

John Michael Talbot