Talk Less, Mind Yours

The Wisdom in Keeping Quiet

Beloved Friend,

Lately, God has been teaching me something simple yet profound; the power of staying silent. Minding my business. Paying more attention to His business as He minds mine.

I’ve noticed how easy it is to “talk too much”not necessarily in a bad way, but in a let-me-just-explain-myself way. Sometimes, we’re so excited about what God is doing that we rush to share it. Other times, He gives us marching orders, and before we even take the first step, we’ve already broadcasted it. Then there’s the need to over-explain our actions so we seem more relatable, but in doing so, we end up oversharing what God would have us keep concealed.

Let’s start with Peter. In John 21:21-22, after Jesus had just reinstated him and given him instructions, Peter curious as ever, pointed at John and asked, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus’ response was classic: “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!” (John 21:22). In other words, Peter, mind your business. Ouch! 🤕 😂

Then there’s, Martha and Mary. In Luke 10:38-42, Martha was so busy worrying about Mary’s lack of activity that she missed the fact that Jesus, “the Word Himself”was in her house. Instead of focusing on Him, she was complaining about what Mary was or wasn’t doing. Jesus had to tell her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is necessary.”

Mary, the mother of Jesus, got it right. After the angelic encounter and the shepherds visit, she didn’t run around telling everyone about it. Luke 2:19 says, “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart”. She kept the word, nurtured it, and waited for its appointed time.

Contrast that with Joseph; he had prophetic dreams, and in excitement (or maybe innocence), he shared them with his brothers. Next thing? Betrayal. Not everyone needs to hear what God told you. Not everyone will celebrate your revelation. Some things are meant to be hidden until their season of manifestation. Even Jesus, after performing miracles, often told people, “See that you tell no one”(Matthew 8:4, Mark 7:36). If the Son of God knew that some things were better left unspoken, how much more should we?

Look at Jesus. He wasn’t concerned with unnecessary explanations. When falsely accused before Pilate, He did not open His mouth (Matthew 27:12-14). He knew His assignment and stayed on it.

Or even Nehemiah. While rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls, people kept trying to distract him; first with casual invitations, then with threats (they tried the formats they knew, clowns). His response? “I am doing a great work, and I cannot come down” (Nehemiah 6:3). In today’s words: I don’t have time for distractions.😂😂😂

But let’s bring it closer home. Have you ever shared something prematurely and then felt the weight of unnecessary pressure (so much that waiting to hear the next steps from God seems like a delay)? Maybe you told people about a big step of faith, and suddenly their expectations started choking you. Maybe you confided in the wrong person and their doubt made you doubt yourself or things working perfectly didn’t just work anymore after you told them. Proverbs 21:23 warns, “Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.”

There’s wisdom in silence. There’s strength in being still.

And silence isn’t just about keeping things secrets but about being intentional with our words. Ecclesiastes 3:7 reminds us that there is time to be silent and a time to speak. Many times, we speak when we should be silent, and we’re silent when we should speak. Some battles don’t need a response. Some criticisms don’t need an explanation. Some seasons demand less talking and more listening.

But let’s balance this. This isn’t a call to isolation or secrecy for secrecy’s sake. There are times when speaking up is needed. Sharing testimonies is powerful when led by God. Seeking counsel from trusted believers is wise. The key is discernment; knowing when to hold back and when to speak up.

Now, let me be clear, this isn’t a call to isolation or cold indifference. As believers, we should care for others. But there’s a difference between love-driven concern and unnecessary involvement. Proverbs 26:17 puts it bluntly: “Interfering in someone else’s argument is as foolish as yanking a dog’s ears.” (That’s the Bible, not me!)

And let’s be real; life becomes lighter when we’re not constantly checking what everyone else is doing. 1 Thessalonians 4:11 says, “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your hands.” Imagine that; minding your business is actually scriptural!

So, dear friend, as we step into this new week, let’s take a step back. Maybe God is calling us to be still and silent so that He can work things out without our interference. Maybe some things are meant to be treasured, not tweeted.

And maybe, just maybe, the less we talk, the more we’ll hear from Him.

With thoughts of kindness,

ABBA’s Shofar