Isaiah 53: The Value Of Silence Series

TRANSITION

What do we learn from Jesus?

I think we learn, firstly, from Jesus that He allowed Himself to be arrested, mistreated, lied about, falsely accused, beaten, pierced, and eventually killed because it was what He wanted. He was following the will of God and He would not derail His death on the cross for any reason because we needed His salvation.

I think we learn, secondly, from Jesus the value of silence.

THE VALUE OF SILENCE

Keeping everything in mind that we have talked about this morning, what does the Bible say about silence? How is it valuable? Why should we emulate Jesus in His self-control in a situation that was unfair and oppressive? That is the basic premise I feel like Jesus’ example gives to us. Jesus maintained His self-control in an oppressive, afflicting, and lamb-led-to-the-slaughter situation and we need to follow His example. The Bible offers several reasons why staying silent can be considered wise or Godly. Silence has great value.

#1 Silence is valuable because silence helps us avoid sin.

READ PROVERBS 10:19 (ESV)

“When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.”

Excessive talking can lead to sin. Sometimes more communication does not fix an issue, but silence keeps us from digging into sinful holes or making a situation worse. Restraining our tongue is always wise. We do not always edit ourselves or filter out what we say and so silence is valuable in those instances.

#2 Silence is valuable because silence helps us maintain peace with each other.

READ PROVERBS 15:1 (ESV)

“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

READ ROMANS 12:18 (ESV)

“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”

Staying silent can prevent conflicts and maintain peace. Limiting the amount we talk can prevent conflicts, maintain peace, and promote healing. Sometimes it is very difficult to obey Romans 12:18 and keep our self-control. In those times, silence is valuable.

#3 Silence is valuable in listening and understanding.

READ JAMES 1:19 (ESV)

“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger”

This verse in James highlights the importance of listening and being deliberate with our words. Most of the time we need to seek first to understand and then to be understood. I cannot tell you how many times I needed to listen more to get the full picture before I weighed in with my words or my attitude. Silence is valuable because we will gain more understanding.

#4 Lastly, silence is valuable in helping us to outwardly not be judgmental.

READ MATTHEW 7:1-2 (ESV)

“Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.”

Silence can help us avoid rash judgments and the consequences of being overly critical. I am not so sure that silence fixes the internal judgments and thoughts that we have, but we can at least appear not overly critical and curb our tendencies to sinfully judge other people if we adopt silence.