Silence can be the strongest asset or the worst enemy depending on how it is used.  When words hurt people it’s best to remain silent.  When a person is reaching out for advice for a situation where all sides of the story are unclear, an offer to pray is the best answer.  Sometimes a listening ear is all a person needs plus understanding.  In these cases silence heals.  Remaining silent and even finding somewhere else to be while people gossip about another prevents a host of consequences.

There is another type of silence called aloof that prevents healing.   A school teacher calls roll and a student is not in his seat.  When asking where is this student, others respond he’s not here.  These students know exactly why the missing student is not there and the teacher is already aware his seat is empty.  What if that missing student is in some type of trouble or in a situation that could harm him and the teacher needs that crucial bit of information?

People are all the time witnessing things that could really help others if they took the time to give needed information.  There are opportunities to reach out to a hurting people yet there are those who will not lend a hand even though they are fully aware of a serious need.  This type of silence is worse than the most negative response.

Trusting God to give discernment to know when to speak and when to remain silent is one of the greatest bonds between God and people.  To act or not to act based on the leading of the Spirit is to put God first in the situation.  God is always pleased with obedience.

Obadiah 1:11

For you deserted Israel in his time of need. You stood aloof, refusing to lift a finger to help him when invaders carried off his wealth and divided Jerusalem among them by lot; you were as one of his enemies.

1 Peter 3:4

Be beautiful inside, in your hearts, with the lasting charm of a gentle and quiet spirit that is so precious to God.