Christian

If Truth is Silenced, Will Evil Prevail?

Cindy Dawson

It seems like people will believe just about anything these days (and that includes Christians). The question that hounds me is this: Should I be silent or should I speak up? God’s Word says,

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: … a time to be silent and a time to speak” Ecclesiastes 3: 1 and 7b NIV

That assures me of one thing. I don’t always have to speak up! That’s good because sometimes it’s just easier to keep my beliefs to myself unless I’m asked for my opinion. But on the other hand, the Bible also says this:

“Learn to do right; seek justice.
    Defend the oppressed.
Take up the cause of the fatherless;
    plead the case of the widow.” Isaiah 1:17 NIV

One of my favorite genres is historical fiction during WWII. At one time I found it hard to understand how people in Germany could remain silent amid the horrible persecution of the Jews. But I’m beginning to understand how societal pressure can keep one silent. It isn’t easy to speak up against lies, in the church or in secular society. In the case of Nazi Germany, silence aided evil. Silence can aid evil in today’s world as well.

The following secular quotes are also interesting to contemplate:

Your very silence shows you agree.”

Euripides

Sometimes, to remain silent is to lie, since silence can be interpreted as assent.”

Miguel de Unamuno

But Scripture also supports silence:

“Therefore, he who is prudent and has insight will keep silent at such a [corrupt and evil] time, for it is an evil time [when people will not listen to truth and will disregard those of good character]. Amos 5:13 AMP

“The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.” Proverbs 17:27-28

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,” James 1:19

Jesus exemplified the wisdom of silence when He stood before Pontius Pilate:

12 When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. 13 Then Pilate asked him, “Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?” 14 But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor. Matthew 27:12-14 NIV

When the Jews faced national annihilation, the brave Queen Esther recognized her God-appointed purpose and time to speak. Her cousin Mordecai urged,

“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:12-14

Esther obeyed, risking her life to save her people. She knew it was “a time to speak,” and she received God’s abundant blessing.

I have searched the Scriptures concerning speaking up or staying silent and my conclusion remains:

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: … a time to be silent and a time to speak” Ecclesiastes 3: 1 and 7b NIV

Should I speak up or should I remain silent? There are no easy answers to our question. We may not know what we should do. But God has promised to give us wisdom when we ask Him. So that is what we must do. We rely on God’s wisdom and the Holy Spirit to lead us as we seek guidance from God’s Word.

 “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” James 1:5-6 NIV Read full chapter

I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, especially if you have struggled with this issue in your life or ministry.

With Love, Cindy

Do you want to know more about Jesus? Read my page Who Is Jesus?

Source: GotQuestions.org

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24 thoughts on “If Truth is Silenced, Will Evil Prevail?”

  1. This is a very well balanced debate Cindy. There are times when speaking Biblical truth would be wrong; “throwing pearls before swine.” And yet there are times when silence is wrong. I had such an incident recently with a friend, where they disagreed with my profession of faith in prayer and I smiled and clocked it for prayer. Then they followed it up with a reference to other gods being angry with me, which I could not stay silent about. Based on this I believe that the Spirit was present guiding me on when to speak up. So yes, stay silent until He guides you to do otherwise.

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  2. This is such a good question you raise up Cindy. The other week my friend and I were talking about this. As we discussed we spoke about a time to speak, if it is someone we know, we might have to keep relationship over being right in that moment and wait for a more opportune time to speak. And sometimes depending on who it is it might seem futile to say anything as they will only argue and be unwilling to listen. So yes, as you said we have to seek wisdom, discernment and leading from the spirit in each situation.

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  3. It seems that the wisdom of speaking is a matter of timing. I always pray for wisdom. If I have no answer I stay silent. Sometimes the best answers are to use a question. Jesus did that a lot when hey were trying to set him up.

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  4. I agree with the above comments. I’ve experienced a few situations where I thought, “Am I supposed to say something to this person?” For instance, I’ve been at the store and heard people use Christ’s name in vain (like in frustration or annoyance) when they’re talking to other people. I hate it and I cringe when I hear it…but I don’t feel that it’s safe to go up to a stranger and just get all in their face; people these days are crazy. Maybe it would be easier if it was someone I knew or someone talking to me (and even still, I’d have to pray for courage because there’s been times when I’ve been silent). I want to stand up for God more and am trying to figure out the best ways to do so.

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    1. I think the comments I’ve received on this have been wise. Personally, I wouldn’t say something to a stranger. It could be dangerous and it probably wouldn’t do any good anyway . If I had a friend who used the Lord’s name in vain I might say something (depending on exactly what they said). Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this. Blessings, Evette!

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  5. Good discussion points. The bottom line sees to be to speak when (and how) the Spirit leads, and I agree.
    In reference to the Jews and the Germans (and I think it’s also in reference to where our country is headed), too many times people are swayed by popular opinion, or fear of man, to say something when something should be said. Back in the ’30s and ’40s it was dangerous to speak against Hitler’s regime. But if all the people who were led to say something DID say something, then the others would have heard it. There would be arrests and imprisonments and suffering, but look at Jeremiah and Ezekiel and Paul. It’s really difficult sometimes to get over fear of man; but if we abide in Christ, He will direct our paths, and our speech, and we can leave the results to Him.

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    1. Agreed! Thankfully, there were many resistance groups that helped the Jews during WWII. They put themselves in great danger to help others. Corrie ten Boom (The Hiding Place) is one example and Diet Eman (Things We Couldn’t Say) is another. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Blessings, Kathy!

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  7. “Like apples of gold in settings of silver Is a word spoken in right circumstances.” Proverbs‬ ‭25:11‬. I love this verse💛 It reminds me to pray for wisdom especially when saying things that are tough to say.

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  8. Often in the flow of normal conversation we are able to bear witness to others of our walk with Christ that affects every area of our lives. I had that experience this week with my eye doctor. It often occurs with a neighbor, for instance. I know that the Holy Spirit opens up those times and opens our mouths when needed. We all really need God’s wisdom about when to speak up in this culture today. Our testimony surely does stand out in sharp contrast today and sometimes that’s the loudest word we have as our lifestyles reflect Christ. Great blog, Cindy, and very thought provoking.

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    1. Thank you, Patty. The Word of God does “stand in sharp contrast” to the world today. I strongly agree that we need God’s wisdom about when to speak up in this culture. I am amazed at how easily people have been brain-washed into accepting radical ideas. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Blessings, my friend!

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  10. Pingback: If Truth is Silenced, Will Evil Prevail? – Andy Brown

  11. From Patty Hesaidwhatks: Often in the flow of normal conversation we are able to bear witness to others of our walk with Christ that affects every area of our lives. I had that experience this week with my eye doctor. It often occurs with a neighbor, for instance. I know that the Holy Spirit opens up those times and opens our mouths when needed. We all really need God’s wisdom about when to speak up in this culture today. Our testimony surely does stand out in sharp contrast today and sometimes that’s the loudest word we have as our lifestyles reflect Christ. Great blog, Cindy, and very thought provoking.

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    1. Thank you, Patty. The Word of God does “stand in sharp contrast” to the world today. I strongly agree that we need God’s wisdom about when to speak up in this culture. I am amazed at how easily people have been brain-washed into accepting radical ideas. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Blessings, my friend!

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  12. Good thoughts, Cindy. True, Esther was called to speak up, but even then, she waited for the opportune time, led by the Lord.
    The quote from Amos is profound. To me, one of the criteria for whether or not to speak up is whether or not my words are going to make a difference. If the people are thoroughly convinced of the lie and hostile to any kind of challenge, confronting them is like “casting your pearls before swine.” (Matthew 7:6)

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