Job 13:4 As for you, you whitewash with lies; worthless physicians are you all. Oh that you would keep silent, and it would be your wisdom! Will you speak falsely for God and speak deceitfully for him? Will you show partiality toward him? Will you plead the case for God? Will it be well with you when he searches you out?
James 1:19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;
Proverbs 17:28 Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.
Proverbs 10:19 When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.
Ecclesiastes 5:2-3 Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few.
Proverbs 17:27 Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.
Job obviously was upset at what his friends were saying to him and told them to keep silent and let that be their wisdom. Keeping silent. I am always fearful of when I am in discussion with a friend or brother and they are battling a decision. I am fearful that what I am speaking may not be in-line with God’s purpose and plan for them. I am fearful that I may say something in-line with God’s Word with such conviction that I leave no room for God’s will or timing. What if what I tell them leads them away from God and not closer? What if what I say makes them lose faith instead of increasing it? In this fear I sometimes just keep quiet. I recognize this and here is what I do when finding myself in these times of discussion; I’m in prayer as they speak and as I listen. I ask God to give me recall scripture and speak what He would have me speak. It comforts my soul to yield to God first and trust in the Holy Spirit to lead my thoughts and what I say. We must always leave room in what we say for God’s plans and purposes and timing. God is in control. God can and will use us if we yield to Him. We need not be afraid to offer counsel to friends but let us make sure we are never lacking in studying God’s Word and applying it in our lives each day. many times our words will be few but with God, they will speak volumes into the heart of our friend.
