“He who is devoid of wisdom despises his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his peace. A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter” (Prov. 11:12-13).
Ecclesiastes 3:7’s wise counsel declares there is “a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.” Wisdom is essential in determining which “time” your specific situation calls for.
In the proverbs above, Solomon gives two specific occasions in which silence is golden. These are: 1) When you are tempted to make an outpouring of heartless criticism or smugness upon another, it is time to keep silent; and 2) When tempted to blurt out sensitive, confidential information entrusted to you by another, it is time to keep silent.
Holding your peace when tempted to speak harshly and concealing a sensitive matter which is not meant for anyone else’s ears are occasions when the wise demonstrate they know what time it is.
