March 4, 2021 - Words are wonderful things. They have a beauty and eloquence all their own. Yet, there is often an eloquence without words. “Silence is golden” someone has said. Silence can also be eloquent. Jesus was the master at using the eloquence of silence. He used it many times.
A woman was brought to Him who had been caught in the act of adultery. The law said such a person must be put to death. What must Jesus say? He was silent. He stooped down and wrote in the sand. He said, “Let the sinless one throw the first stone”. Then He went on writing. When He looked up, His words and His wise silence had done their work. All the accusers were gone. A penitent woman stood there alone.
He told Peter of the sin he would commit in denial. Peter argued. The day of trial came and Peter sinned. At the right time, Jesus turned and looked at Peter. That was all. He just looked. That was enough to make Peter go out and weep bitterly.
In His trial, He refuted all charges made against Him. The paid liars came back with their exploded stories. It was then Jesus fulfilled a prophecy made about Him and opened not His mouth. The judge and others wondered. But the judge was so impressed with him that he pronounced Him innocent of all fault as he pronounced the sentence of death.
Silence is golden. Silence can be as eloquent as words. Knowing when to speak and when to be silent is one mark of real wisdom.
It’s something to think about…..TBP
Across the Preacher’s Desk: The Eloquence of Silence
