Time to keep silent

By Pastor James Ademuyiwa

Memory Verse: 2 Kings 18:36 – “But the people held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king’s commandment was, saying, Answer him not.”

Devotional Reading: 2 Kings 18:17-37
Happy mid-week to all readers of Dose of Heaven Daily Devotional! We thank God for His grace and immeasurable mercy over us and our families. Today, we are focusing on the topic: “Time to Keep Silent.”

It is not always wise to speak or reply when accused or confronted with difficult situations. There are moments when the best course of action is to remain silent. Matters often escalate because many people have not yet learned the wisdom and power found in silence. In an attempt to answer back, defend their point of view, or oppose a claim, most people speak needlessly, which only worsens the situation.

The result is that a bad situation becomes even worse. Many of the wars the world has experienced, broken homes and marriages, and collapsed businesses can trace their woes to the inability of the parties involved to control their words, especially in the face of verbal provocations.

The aim of Rabshakeh in our text today was to cause disaffection among the people of Israel and to incite mutiny, unrest, and rebellion. His words were meant to weaken the faith and trust of the people in God and in the ability of their king to defend them. But instead of engaging him in argument or trying to prove him wrong, the king commanded the people to remain silent.

By doing so, they were able to hide their fear, leaving the enemy confused like a fool. Instead of responding to the enemy directly, they brought their complaints to the king, who reported the matter to God. How important it is for us to learn the wisdom displayed here! We do not always need to respond to those whose aim is to weaken our faith.

It is unfortunate that some Christians engage in bitter confrontations and heated arguments with those they believe are attacking the Church. Such responses often lead to religious riots and unrest, claiming many lives. Winning human arguments rarely strengthens faith. We do not need to defend God through provocations, arguments, or debates with unbelievers. God is fully capable of handling those who try to defame Him.

Our homes, relationships, and ministries will thrive if we embrace the principle of silence in the face of provocation. Silence is not a mark of weakness or ignorance, as some may think. On the contrary, it is a sign of strength and one of the most effective weapons for defeating the enemy.

I pray for you today that God will help you discern wisdom at all times and give you the strength to apply it when needed, in the name of Jesus.
Prayer Point: My Father and my God, by Your grace, help me know when to speak and when to remain silent.

Key Dose: Silence, when required, is not a sign of weakness; rather, it is wisdom and a sign of strength.

Pastor Ademuyiwa, Senior Pastor, In His Presence Christ Tabernacle Global Church