In my daily Bible reading several months ago, I was reading in Job and a verse jumped out at me, specifically considering we had just started studying wisdom literature for our weekly staff prayer meeting. Job 13:5 states, “If only you would be altogether silent! For you, that would be wisdom.” These words have lingered in my mind since, gently convicting me.
Silence is something I often struggle with, especially when I believe my insights or opinions are needed. I think many of us tend to equate wisdom with words, with knowing the right thing to say at the right time. But in a world where noise surrounds us and the pressure to voice an opinion is constant, there’s immense wisdom in knowing when to hold back. Job’s words to his friends cut straight to the heart of this truth.
The context of Job’s words adds to their weight. Job, a man devastated by unimaginable loss—his children, his wealth, and his health—sits in sorrow as his friends attempt to explain the reasons for his suffering. They speak at length, offering theories and judgments about why Job faces such trials. In response, Job’s advice to his friends was that silence would serve them better than their misguided attempts to explain the unexplainable.
This moment in Job reveals three powerful truths about wisdom and silence:
#1 Sometimes the wisest response is no response at all.
Not every situation demands our input. Not every argument requires our voice. Sometimes, wisdom is displayed most powerfully in our decision to remain quiet. Whether it’s an argument, a disagreement, or a moment of confusion, silence can often say more than words ever could.
#2 Words without understanding can harm.
Job’s friends spoke from incomplete knowledge, yet they spoke with absolute certainty. Their words turned into tools that inflicted deeper wounds. When we speak without full understanding, we risk causing unintended pain.
#3 Silence creates space for God’s voice.
When we step back from our constant need to speak, explain, or fix, we create room for God’s wisdom to emerge. Sometimes our silence is the very thing that allows others to hear God’s voice more clearly.
The next time you feel the urge to speak into a situation, remember Job 13:5. Ask yourself: Would wisdom be better served by my silence? Sometimes, the most profound wisdom we can offer is simply being present without words.
Proverbs 17:28 reminds us, “Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.”
Let’s pray. Lord, grant us the wisdom to know when to speak and when to remain silent. Help us to be quick to listen and slow to speak. Give us discernment to recognize those moments when our silence might be more valuable than our words. May we create space in our lives for Your voice to be heard above all others. Amen.
This insight was written by Dr. Jena Dunn, Provost of Stark College & Seminary.