2 Kings 18:36(KJV)
But the people held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king’s commandment was, saying, Answer him not.
After becoming king at 25, Hezekiah reformed the temple and called the people to serve the Lord faithfully. He destroyed the idols and the altars of false gods. He held onto God and trusted and followed Him throughout his 29-year reign. Hezekiah was unique in his passion and energy for his trust in God and for promoting the true worship of God. Because of Hezekiah’s faithful trust in the LORD, God blessed him thoroughly, fulfilling the standing promise to David and his descendants(1 Kings 2:1-4). However, for the lack of faith on the part of Hezekiah, he felt it was wiser to pay off the Assyrian king and become his subject than to trust God to defend Judah against this king. Threatened by the overwhelming Assyrian army under Sennacherib, Hezekiah trusted in God for astonishing deliverance. In trying to convince leaders of Hezekiah’s government, the Rabshakeh(a field commander), who represented the Assyrian king Sennacherib, was sent to Judah. He had vastly superior armies, but the Rabshekah preferred that Judah would totally give up out of fear, discouragement, or despair. Through his words, he hoped to weaken the faith and trust of the people in God and their king’s ability to defend them. But instead of joining issues with him and trying to prove or argue otherwise, the king commanded them to keep quiet. Hiding their fear, they left the enemy confused like a fool. Rather than responding back to the enemy, they took their complaints to the king, who turned them over to God.
Silence is a precious gift we give to ourselves. Silence is our best reply to the allegations and taunts of our foes. In this journey called life, the best thing to do sometimes is to learn how to keep quiet. In the attempt to answer back, defend a stand, oppose or counter a claim, most will not be able to control their tongues. Isaiah 30:15 says, “For thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.” Our strength comes from quietness and trust. When we find ourselves tempted to take matters into our own hands, remember the Lord’s guidance: Let us keep quiet and trust Him, for He’ll guide us to the best path for our life. As believers, we must learn to have the wisdom and power to know when to be silent. It is not every question that we must answer. It is not every challenge that we must rise to. The more tight-lipped we are, the farther we will go in life and the greater we will be, for great things are formed and grown in silence. Proverbs 17:28 says, “Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: And he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.”
Beloved, walk as a true child of God by knowing when to speak and when to be silent. Silence is golden and not the mark of weakness or timidity, as some may think; instead, it is the most effective weapon to defeat the enemy. It is useless to argue, even in many cases, to give explanations. Learn the principle of silence in the face of provocation, and you will fare better. The greatest revenge is silence; you don’t always have to respond to people who deliberately try to offend or provoke you. Responding relieves them of their guilt, so keep silent and allow them to hassle with their conscience, especially when they know you are aware of their wicked activities but have just refused to respond. Winning an argument or debate does you no good. It is almost always better to keep silent and trust God instead of trying to win a difference of opinion with satan or his servants. You don’t need to defend yourself when provoked, confronted, or accused of wrongdoing. You do not always have to respond to enemies who seek to undermine and weaken you. Learn to talk less! When you use your words, use them because they will brighten someone’s day or will teach people something valuable. Instead of running your mouth, run to God and His Word, seek His wisdom, trust in God’s promises, and pray, and His plan and purpose will prevail. Remember, the ability to remain silent is a sign of perfection.
O LORD, help me to take perfect control of my tongue in Jesus’ Name!