“Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.” (Acts 18:9-10)
Paul was abiding in the Lord Jesus, and His shadow (Ps. 91) was his armor (Eph. 6). So many times we look ahead to meetings, situations, tasks, daily activities and try and play out what we will do or say. When the Lord is encouraging us to simply yield to the Holy Spirit and let Him fill our mouths with His words!
“For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” (Luke 12:12)
And yes there are times where He will keep us from speaking. Ezekiel says this, “I will make your tongue cling to the roof of your mouth, so that you shall be mute and not be one to rebuke them, for they are a rebellious house.” (Ezekiel 3:26). Why would the Lord do this? “Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you.” (Matthew 7:6)
Many times in our unwillingness to be quiet we end up bringing unneeded persecution on ourselves, and then it’s easy to say we were persecuted for Jesus… to speak when the Holy Spirit is saying be quiet, is disobedience!
“Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.” (Proverbs 10:19)
“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” (James 1:19)
In a world, fueled by pride, so many want to debate others. Sadly, even in the Body of Christ, this happens with the scripture, and what they interpret or believe… you must learn what mountain you’re willing to die on! There are so many secondary doctrines that has divided so many, these are the mountains some think they should die on…
“Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time. If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them.” (Titus 3:9-10)
There is power in quietness, it’s in the increase of words back and forth that pride will fuel anger, and when it begins to rise, even the slightest bit, it will cause you to lose authority!
“Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. Then people who are not believers will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others.” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)
We must learn to speak when and what the Holy Spirit says, and learn to be quiet otherwise!