RIGHT TIME TO TALK

François Fénelon (1651-1715) priest, theologian and poet wrote concerning Spiritual Progress:

“Silence promotes the presence of God, prevents many harsh and proud words, and suppresses many dangers in the way of ridiculing or harshly judging our neighbors … If you are faithful in keeping silence when it is not necessary to speak, God will preserve you from evil when it is right for you to talk.”

Just as it is true that sometimes ‘not talking is saying something,’ it is also true that sometimes ‘talking is saying nothing.’ I have determined that often times a lot of talk is manifested insecurity both with God and others… especially loud talk. One sure test of this is if we find it necessary to interrupt the speaker so we may talk. Wisdom knows when to speak and when to be silent.

“But when the Spirit of truth comes, he will lead you into all truth. He will not speak his own words, but he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is to come.” Jesus