“Wisdom stays quiet in the face of loud accusers.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – May 21, 2025
He gave him no answer. Matthew 27:14, ESV
Have you noticed how those who speak the loudest tend to garner the greatest attention? Their noisy confidence often redirects the conversation to their perspective. Yet, the one with the best answer, the wisest in the room, may quietly stand by, waiting for the right moment to speak. The wise person, when accused, understands how quiet humility proves itself right when faced with loud pride. Jesus modeled this approach to His accuser when “He gave him no answer.” A guilt-free conscience is not obligated to explain when hotly accused. In time, wisdom proves itself.
In the chaos of accusations and shouts from the religious leaders, Jesus stood silent before Pilate. The governor pressed Him, asking, “Are you the King of the Jews?”—and Jesus offered a quiet, almost cryptic reply: “You have said so.” Yet, as the charges flew, Jesus said nothing more. No defense. No anger. Just calm silence. Pilate was stunned. Most men begged for their lives in that place, but Jesus didn’t flinch. His silence spoke louder than words, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy that the Messiah would be like a lamb before its shearers, silent and still. It wasn’t passivity; it was surrender to a greater plan. A quiet strength that trusted God more than the court. A King, calm in the storm of an assault on His character. The innocent rest in the integrity of their heart.
I have made the mistake of losing my temper when I feel disrespected. A friend and colleague let me down on a work issue, and I questioned his motives as disingenuous. I thought we were on the same page, but I quickly learned that was not the case. He felt attacked and accused by me of being disloyal and dishonest. By challenging his character, I shut down the communication, leading to a back-and-forth argument where we each defended our points. It was ugly indeed. A few days later, after cooling off, I called my friend whom I had hurt and apologized. He forgave me, and we spent the next few months rebuilding our trust and respect for one another.
Learn from my mistake. Don’t rush to defend every detail when someone wrongly accuses you at work. Take a breath, stay calm, and let your integrity speak over time—truth has a way of surfacing. At home, when a loved one lashes out in frustration, resist the urge to match their volume. Instead, listen first, then respond gently, even if it means waiting for a better moment. In conflict with a friend, when tempers flare and assumptions fly, choose silence over sarcasm. Sometimes, the most powerful response is a thoughtful pause. Quiet strength isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. Jesus showed us that not every accusation deserves a reaction. Sometimes, stillness reflects the deepest confidence: that God knows the truth, and He will bring it to light. Above all, follow Jesus’ example, as Spurgeon eloquently preached, “Did not the silent Lamb of God furnish us with a grand example of wisdom?” Wisdom stays quiet in the face of loud accusers.
Prayer
Lord, when accusations roar, help me be still. Guard my tongue, calm my heart, and let truth be my defense. Teach me to trust You more than my own words. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Application
In what situation is the Holy Spirit inviting you to remain silent?
Related Reading
Exodus 14:14; Isaiah 53:7; Proverbs 17:28; 1 Peter 2:23
Worship Resource
Genavieve Linkowski: Resurrection Song
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