There is Wisdom in Silence

Scheduled Reading:
Job 12:1-14:22; Psalm 104:31-105:1; Proverbs 21:25-26; Romans 15:1-21

Selected Passage:
Job 12

What you know, I also know;
       I am not inferior to you.
If only you would be altogether silent!
       For you, that would be wisdom. 
"Keep silent and let me speak;
       then let come to me what may.
Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him;

Job had a way with words. He could put a man in his place, even when Job's place was sitting in the dirt covered in boils. Often times when I am asked for counsel I feel like I should be quite in order to be wise. Often it is better to remain quiet and appear to be a fool, than to open my mouth and remove all doubt! There can be wisdom in silence. Let others speak, express their feelings or thoughts, you will be surprised how much you will learn. I was taught that very thing just yesterday as I counseled a young couple.

Job was also a very brave man - to speak so boldly about his innocence and his hope for chance to plead his case before almighty God. Later in the book we will see where Job has second thoughts about this desire to plead his case before God. But kudos to Job - he got it right. "Though He slay me, yet I will hope in Him!" The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord!