“In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise” (Proverbs 10:19)

Solomon said, in other words, “If you are continuously talking, there will be an abundance of sin. But the man that refraineth his lips (or his words) is wise.” Solomon also wrote, in Ecclesiastes 5:3b, “…and a fool’s voice is known by multitude of words”; and in verse 7, “For in…many words there are also divers vanities…”

Therefore, one could conclude it is better to listen (verse 1b), “…and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools…”

However, the Christian has been schooled to be a witness for Jesus Christ; to be an ambassador of reconciliation. For Paul said, “…and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:19; see verses 18-20a).  And that is true and right.

The problem sometimes is how to be a minister of reconciliation, or of the Good News of Jesus Christ. We should consider the power of the Words of Silence; such as the sea, the heavens, the birds, and even the lilies of the field. Matthew 6:28b, “…Consider the lilies…” Matthew writes, “…That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these” (Matthew 6:29b). These things have no conversation, and yet David said, “…The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork” (Psalms 19:1).

Many times Christians think that to witness for Christ they need first to be accepted with the crowd. Therefore, they compromise to be accepted; and then they intend to speak for Christ. But when you listen to or speak their language, or joke and talk foolishness, even things of their world; you may end up in sin. You may end up with sweet and bitter water coming from the same fountain; and James said this ought not to be (James 3:9-11).

It may be that few words, or even no words, is the best avenue to be a witness for Christ; as you live His Life in your life; as your walk and your deeds speak volumes of the Glory of God. Each child of God has been strategically placed in the Body of Christ, with certain gifts (Romans 12:3-). Exercise those gifts daily, being you. Don’t talk your way through, but be a lily and declare the Glory of God through your Words of Silence. Live for Christ as who He made you to be. Let His Light shine through who you are.

Remember, “consider the lilies” and their witness of the Glory of God by not saying a word. “He that refraineth his lips is wise.”