Silence is restraint

A Tortoise was very sad because he wanted to see the world but it would take an eternity with his little short legs. He shared his sadness with a pair of Ducks. “We can help you see the world,” said the Ducks. “Take hold of this stick with your teeth and we will carry you far up in the air where you can see the whole countryside. But keep quiet or you will be sorry.” The Tortoise was so excited and happy to finally get to see the world. He bit down on the stick firmly and each of the Ducks took an end and up they flew toward the clouds. The Tortoise, with big eyes, was astonished and awed by what he saw. Suddenly a Crow flew by and cawed, “”This must surely be the King of Tortoises!” The Tortoise forgot the instructions not to speak and exclaimed, “Why certainly…” All of a sudden the little Tortoise fell from the sky into a small lake below. He was doing well but lost focus.

There is an old saying, that silence is golden. Charles Spurgeon wrote, “Words well spoken are silver, but silence is golden...” In essence, learning to read the room and mood is important.

​Sometimes, it is best to be silent or not respond, because not everything needs a response. Silence can bring calm into a situation. That powerful pause that we use before we respond allows us to recognize that it’s not about us in that moment. It is not to deny or suppress how we feel, but recognize the power of silence that can change the direction of the conversation.

“I think it is well, too, when a poor sin-burdened soul is silent before God, and unable to make any bold speeches. It would have been well if Peter had been silent when he said, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.” (Matthew 26:33, ESV). It is good that a man is a good speaker, but it is better to know when to speak and when not to.” Charles Spurgeon

Silence is Restraint!

GiGi❤️