WORDS OF SILENCE

Sometimes the most powerful words are the words of silence. Shakespeare said: "It’s better to be king of your silence than slave of your words.” As powerful as words are, there are times when you need not say any. In a climate of hate, anger, prejudice, or insecurity, don't waste your words of explanation on adversaries. In sorrow, your friends drinking from its bitter cup might benefit more from your mute presence than your vocal commiserations. And from Job, we learn to harness the power of silence when we don’t understand God's ways. Why destroy silence with words? Rightly timed silence speaks volumes, and words of silence are golden. Use them well! (Ecclessiastes 3:7; cf. Job 19:2; Isaiah 53:7).—Samuel Koranteng-Pipim