The Value of Silence

I was in a conversation about ministering to those who are hurting and going through life’s battles. The person said, “There are times when I do not know what to say.” I responded with a thought that came to my mind, and said the following:

“Never underestimate the value of silence and the power of presence.”

Think about it.

There are times when the best thing we can do is to simply “be there.” Remember Job’s friends? After they heard of his great sorrow and loss, they traveled to be with him. As they saw him—in the distance—they grieved with him and sorrowed with him (Job 2:12).

Then, the Scriptures state that, when they arrived, they “…sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great” (Job 2:13). They offered both silence and presence.

In chapter 3 of Job, his friends listened as he voiced his grief and sorrow. They heard him mournfully state that he should have died at birth—or even never have been born. He lamented that death was to be preferred over life. They witnessed the grief of his soul.

Then—they felt they had to respond, in chapter 4. The next chapters of Job are filled with the accusations from his friends. They spoke as though they were speaking for God. Yet, all they did was add to his grief.

Job’s friends were like many today. There are those who find themselves in a difficult situation when dealing with a friend’s grief. Then, even though they do not know what to say, they say something—anything—AND it is always the wrong thing to say. When we do such things, we simply add to the burden of grief that our friend is already bearing.

Sure, there are times to lovingly speak up and say what must be said. However, those words should be wisely chosen and graciously used. Let us never forget that there is value in silence, and power in presence.

However, we should remember there is a time to speak. Dr. Clyde Narramore once said, “Silence is not always golden. Sometimes is is just plain yellow!” We must learn when to speak, and when to be silent.