Daily Devotions
When Marriage Needs Silence
Reading for June 23rd: Proverbs 27-29
A fool gives full vent to his spirit,
But a wise man quietly holds it back.
Proverbs 29:11
What is more important than communication in a marriage
Sometimes it is silence. Communication is important, but if we are yelling at each other it would be better to remain silent.
This wisdom from God counters some popular opinion. Many feel it is unhealthy for couples to hold back their feelings. We need to express ourselves more and give full vent to all those things we have bottled up inside.
But this is not always true. Sometimes we should express ourselves less and listen more. Scripture teaches us to be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath (James 1:19). Sometimes the best thing we can do is to shut up and listen (and especially when we're angry).
So, before you blow your top, take a few moments to reflect on this proverb. This is true wisdom!
Father, give us the wisdom to know when to speak, how to speak, and what to say when we speak.
