THE ART OF SILENCE by Hannah E. Sawyer

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 8, 1877

THE ART OF SILENCE.

By Hannah E. Sawyer

This art of silence is one of usefulness. It is well to know when to speak and when to keep silent. It is not always proper to say what we think.

This is sanctioned by the word of God. Holy men of old have observed this. The psalmist says we must set a watch over the door of our mouth. “If any man bridleth not his own tongue, that man’s religion is vain.” If he is able to bridle his tongue, it is better than taking a whole city. Solomon says in Prov. 10: 11, “The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life.” “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” He calls them men of understanding, who have attained the art of silence.

Thus writes the evangelist: “Let your yea be yea, and your nay, nay; for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.” The apostle Paul informs us that instead of jesting and joking, we should rather give thanks. And again, “Let your speech be always with grace seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” Much there is to learn to become a model Christian,—one after the similitude of our great Pattern, in whom was found no fault. Truly, there is a great work before us to be enabled to attain to this position; and while attempting to cultivate other Christian graces, we must not forget that the art of silence is one.

To attain this art we must avoid uttering what is foolish. Vain and light expressions are no help nor lasting benefit to any one. Prov. 16: 23. In speaking without reflection we are apt to say too much; unwise thoughts are uttered, sentiments expressed, that are not edifying, instructing, and elevating, to the human mind. Instead of expressing our opinion on the faults and weaknesses of others, we should be engaged in a business far more profitable—searching for our own.

I will here quote an extract on this subject: “The possession of this art will enable us to govern our feelings and direct our trains of thought. He who gives expression to his feelings increases their strength. He who gives expression to anger increases its power over him. He who gives utterance to improper thoughts increases their number. It will increase our influence with our fellow-men. ‘A fool uttereth all his mind, but a wise man keepeth it until afterwards.’ Gravity and reserve are associated with wisdom. We can be useful only as we are influential. Finally, it will enable us to follow the example of Christ. He was ever affable and ready to communicate instruction, but no useless utterance escaped his lips.”

Let us labor to attain this art of silence, that our speech may always abound with grace.

HANNAH E. SAWYER.

Battle Creek, Mich.