Do you always say everything you want to say? Sometimes, things are better left unspoken. These unspoken words may determine the state of relationships, the feelings or health of others, and your position between sin and righteousness, if spoken. This article stresses that it is wisdom to observe times of silence.

"In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise - Proverbs 10:19 (NKJV).

This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear. So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first." - John 8:6-7 (NKJV).

Now Jesus stood before the governor. And the governor asked Him, saying, "Are You the King of the Jews?" Jesus said to him, "It is as you say." And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing. But He answered him not one word, so that the governor marveled greatly - Matthew 27:11-12, 14 (NKJV).

There is time for everything, including time to speak and time to be quiet. Many times people think that it is okay to say everything the way it is in their heart. Some people think that they must win an argument and so they keep talking, justifying their points and themselves. Some others just like talking and talking. However, just as the scripture says in Proverbs 10:19, in the multitude of words sin is not lacking. Anyone who is able to restrain his or her lips is wise. Observing times of silence will help one to speak fewer words. The person will be able to control his words by first checking the words in his heart, and then choosing the ones to say and the ones to leave unsaid.

A person of few words

This person says little and mostly only when it's necessary. He observes times of silence to enable ample time for processing the right word to speak. He is a person of purpose and calculates the purpose of a word before saying it. This is a virtue every Christian should have.

Few words less sin

When you speak fewer words it helps you to keep away from sin. You will speak only what is necessary, as such sparing yourself of errors and regrets, repentance and apologies. It will preserve your relationships because you will leave out many wrong words unsaid. Any wrong spoken word cannot be retrieved and be as if it were never said. It is like an egg, once broken it can never be the same again. Few words will keep you away from certain troubles like people misquoting you or having wrong impressions of you, which may cost you a lot. Few words will help you to speak wisely.

Our Lord Jesus observed times of silence that gave Him enough time to receive the wisdom to apply at certain times. For instance, they brought a woman caught in adultery to Him to test Him and have occasion to accuse Him, but they couldn't get Him because He wasn't hasty in answering them. By the time He answered them, He disarmed them by His words and they left the place leaving the woman behind. So, Christ was able to save the woman from her accusers and then had an opportunity to give her another chance to mend her ways (John 8:1-11). Times of silence will give you opportunities to process the right words to speak that will deliver you or someone else from the set traps of the enemy.

Furthermore, Christ knew how to restrain his lips, as such always spoke wisely. When He was brought before the governor in Matthew 27:11-12, 14, He only answered the question that being silent would have meant a lie. All the accusations from the chief priest and elders received silence from Him. There was no need of justifying Himself when speaking will be waste of time and energy, God's plan and purpose were to be fulfilled. Many a time our too much talking is waste of time and energy that may rope us into error.

In conclusion, times of silence is a wisdom strategy you need as a lifestyle in order to experience less or no faults in life. Even, under provocations, discipline yourself to say only what is necessary per time and keep away from sin. In the multitude of words sin is not lacking!

Ngozi Nwoke is a teacher, speaker, counselor and author of "Peace Money Can't Buy" and "The Man Jesus: What You Need to Know About Christ". She has a passion to teach people how to enjoy peace, God's love, and Christian living for a more fulfilling life. Want a more fulfilling life?