In contrast to blasphemy stands confessing God’s name. Confessing cannot occur without words. Nevertheless, there are moments when silence is golden. Earlier commentators speak of confession intempestiva, ill-times confession, when you want to defend God’s name, but at an inappropriate time. These are moments when God’s name could better be left unspoken because it would simply be dragged through the mud and held up to ridicule. We must not provide people, by means of our confession at an inappropriate time, an occasion for ridiculing the truth.
This wise advice is grounded in Scripture. The book of Proverbs says, “He who reproves a scoffer get shame for himself, and he who rebukes a wicked man get himself a blemish” (Prov 9:7). The Sermon on the Mount teaches, “Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces” (Mat. 7:6).
Must we then not defend God’s name at every opportunity? Does not Peter say we must always be prepared to give a defense of the hope that is in us (1 Peter 3:15)? Does Paul not remind Timothy that he must preach the words, convince, and rebuke in season and out of season (2 Tim 4:2)? Surely we need strong arguments to justify remaining silent about God’s name.
Speaking is silver; but, even so, silence is sometimes golden. Consider Christ Himself, who stood silent before the high priest and before (Pilate (Matt 26:62;27:14). There may well be occasions when we can defend God’s honor by being silent. If mentioning His name might give someone a weapon for holding God and His service up to ridicule, the our silence would communicate volumes.
Today that is no less relevant than earlier. In many debates – we will mention as examples opposition to abortion and to a homosexual lifestyle – it is often difficult to get a word in edgewise. Especially when we mention God’s name, resistance increases. In the secularized West, we may still think as we please about these issues, but we are permitted less and less freedom to speak or to demonstrate our convictions. Occasionally panel discussions are organized, which present you with the question: “Should I accept an invitation to participate?” Situations can arise where burning hatred is directed against you and public blasphemy is applauded. The question then becomes relevant: “Was I prudent in accepting this invitation?” That we ourselves might be accused of discrimination is not so serious: but when people start mocking God, that can shut the door for us. Speaking is silver, but silence is sometimes golden. You can encounter situations predicated by Christ. If you cast pearls before swine, such animals will turn away in irritation, for they cannot eat such food. And they will pounce on those who have put such food in front of them.
The message we must bring is precious. Confessing God’s name must remain our upright intention. We must always be prepared to bring God’s Word to people, regardless of whether it suits us or them. That Word matters above everything else. But occasionally we will need to ask ourselves if our speaking might be damaging for the Word of God. At that point, the issue is not what suits us or someone else, but whether it actually suits God that we would speak. We must exercise the kind of carefulness that makes us handle God’s name with caution. Occasionally we will be so careful that we will not mention it.
Silence can be a matter of prudence; but, unfortunately, more often it is a matter of laziness. A silent Christian is no Christian. Speaking is silver, but silence is sometimes golden. We will not practice proper silence if we do not feel compelled again and again to speak. Only then is our silence no denial and our caution no cowardice.
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