Bible Subject Index
(last update: 01/22/2019)Noong panahon ng Bibliya, may mga haring naupo sa “trono ni Jehova” bilang mga kinatawan ng Diyos sa kaniyang pamamahala sa mga tao.
Naputol ang linya ng mga hari na nagmula kay David noong 607 B.C.E. nang lupigin ng mga Babilonyo ang Jerusalem – ang sentro ng pamamahala sa pamamagitan ng mga kinatawan ng Diyos. (2Hari 25:1-26; ihambing sa Lucas 21:24)
Reference: w09 5/15 p. 3 “A Time for Silence”
When, though, is it appropriate to keep quiet rather than to speak? The words “silent” and “silence” appear over a hundred times in the pages of the Bible. The context in which these words are used reveals the propriety of remaining silent in at least three areas of life.
(1) Silence is a sign of respect or honor.
The prophet Habakkuk said: “Jehovah is in his holy temple. Keep silence before him, all the earth!” (Hab. 2:20) True worshippers are to “wait, even silently, for the salvation of Jehovah.” (Lam. 3:26) The psalmist sang: “Keep silent before Jehovah and wait longingly for him. Do not show yourself heated up at anyone making his way successful.”—Ps. 37:7.
Can we praise Jehovah without using words? Well, are we not at times so awestruck when viewing the beauty of creation that we are rendered speechless? Is not thinking about such grandeur a way of praising the Creator in our heart? The psalmist David began one of his melodies, saying: “For you there is praise—silence—, O God, in Zion; and to you the vow will be paid.”—Ps. 65:1.
As Jehovah himself merits our respect, so do his utterances. For example, when God’s prophet Moses delivered his farewell address to the nation of Israel, he and the priests admonished all present, saying: “Keep silent . . . , and you must listen to the voice of Jehovah your God.” Attentive listening was required of even the Israelite children when the sons of Israel came together for the reading of God’s Law. “Congregate the people,” said Moses, “the men and the women and the little ones . . . in order that they may learn.”—Deut. 27:9, 10; 31:11, 12.
How appropriate that Jehovah’s modern-day worshippers respectfully listen to the instructions they receive at Christian gatherings, including large conventions! When vital Bible truths are being conveyed from the platform, would it not show disrespect for God’s Word and his organization if we unnecessarily conversed with one another? During the sessions, it is time to keep silent and listen.
(2) Silence as evidence of discretion and discernment
The Bible states: “The one keeping his lips in check is acting discreetly.” “The man of broad discernment is one that keeps silent.” (Prov. 10:19; 11:12) Consider how beautifully Jesus manifested discretion and discernment by keeping silent. Upon discerning that speaking in the hostile environment generated by his enemies would serve no useful purpose, “Jesus kept silent.” (Matt. 26:63) Later, when on trial before Pilate, Jesus “made no answer.” He discreetly chose to let his public record speak for itself.—Matt. 27:11-14.
We too are wise to keep our lips in check, particularly when we are provoked. “He that is slow to anger is abundant in discernment,” says a proverb, “but one that is impatient is exalting foolishness.” (Prov. 14:29) A hasty oral response in a trying situation can result in rash speech that is later regretted. Under such circumstances, our words may appear foolish, and our peace of mind may suffer as a result.
It is the course of discretion to guard our lips when in the presence of wicked people. When confronted by ridiculers in our ministry, silence may well be the proper response. Moreover, would it not sometimes be wise to remain silent so as not to convey an impression of approval when our schoolmates or coworkers tell off-color jokes or use vulgar language? (Eph. 5:3) “I will set a muzzle as a guard to my own mouth,” wrote the psalmist, “as long as anyone wicked is in front of me.”—Ps. 39:1.
A person of “broad discernment” does not betray a confidence. (Prov. 11:12) A true Christian will not divulge confidential matters through unguarded speech. Christian elders must be particularly circumspect in this regard so as to retain the trust of members of the congregation.
“In the abundance of words there does not fail to be transgression,” warned Solomon, “but the one keeping his lips in check is acting discreetly.” (Prov. 10:19) Hence, the fewer the words spoken, the less the chance of committing an indiscretion. In fact, “even anyone foolish, when keeping silent, will be regarded as wise; anyone closing up his own lips, as having understanding.” (Prov. 17:28) May we, then, prayerfully ask Jehovah to ‘set a watch over the door of our lips.’—Ps. 141:3.
(3) Silence as an aid to meditation
Concerning the man who follows the way of righteousness, the Scriptures inform us that “in [God’s] law he reads in an undertone day and night.” (Ps. 1:2) The Amplified Bible reads: “On His law . . . he habitually meditates . . . by day and by night.” What circumstance best lends itself to such meditation? The restorative effects of silence cannot be denied. Silence can provide an environment for healthy self-examination—an essential prerequisite for self-improvement. Silence can promote peace of mind. Meditation during quiet periods can engender modesty and humility within us and can enhance our appreciation for the truly important things in life.
Note: While silence can be a virtue, there is also “a time to speak.” (Eccl. 3:7) True worshippers today are busy preaching the good news of God’s Kingdom “in all the inhabited earth.” (Matt. 24:14) The resulting joyful noise is being heard with ever-increasing volume as their ranks grow. (Mic. 2:12) By all means, let us be among those who are zealously declaring the Kingdom good news and speaking about the wonderful works of God. As we share in this important activity, may our lifestyle also reflect an awareness that silence, at times, is golden.
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