The Necessity to Cover
Elisabeth Elliot emphasizes the importance of knowing when to speak and when to remain silent, drawing from biblical wisdom and Jesus' example.
Elisabeth Elliot emphasizes the importance of knowing when to remain silent, highlighting that not everything needs to be expressed in the name of honesty and openness. She draws attention to Jesus' example of withholding information about Himself and instructing healed individuals to keep their miracles private. Elliot urges for wisdom in discerning when to speak and when to be silent, referencing Ecclesiastes 3:1,7 and Proverbs 11:12 to support the idea that there is a time for both silence and speech.
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There are things which it is our duty to cover in silence. We are told nowadays that everything ought to be expressed if we are truly "honest" and "open."
Proverbs 11:13 says, "He who goes abroad as a talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing hidden."
Jesus sometimes refused to reveal the truth about Himself, even when it would have seemed to us "an opportunity to witness." He did not always answer questions. He did not always say who He was. He told some of those He healed to tell no one about it.
"For every activity under heaven its time...a time for silence and a time for speech" (Eccl 3:1,7 NEB). "A man of understanding remains silent" (Prv 11:12 RSV).
Lord, deliver me from the urge to open my mouth when I should shut it. Give me the wisdom to keep silence where silence is wise. Remind me that not everything needs to be said, and that there are very few things that need to be said by me.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Silence
- Jesus' Example of Silence
- Wisdom in Speech and Silence
- A Time for Silence and a Time for Speech
- The Value of Remaining Silent
Key Quotes
“For every activity under heaven its time...a time for silence and a time for speech” — Elisabeth Elliot
“A man of understanding remains silent” — Elisabeth Elliot
“Lord, deliver me from the urge to open my mouth when I should shut it” — Elisabeth Elliot
Application Points
- Pray for wisdom to know when to speak and when to be silent.
- Consider the consequences of revealing secrets or gossip.
- Seek to maintain trust and protect relationships by keeping certain things private.