Handshake & Sword: When to Speak, When to Stay Silent
Let me go ahead and warn you, this one might step on some toes. Including mine.
We live in a time where everybody has something to say. Keyboard Warriors are popping up every single day at all-time high. And somewhere between the group text, the comment section, and Sunday morning parking lot debates, we’ve all wondered:
Should I say something? Or should I just shut up and pray?
Bring the WORD in! Proverbs 26:4–5. (In Beyonce’s voice)
“Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him.”
“Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.”
Now, if you read that too fast, you’ll think Solomon just contradicted himself. But if you slow down and sit with it, it’s not a contradiction. It’s a call for discernment.
Let me say it like this: it ain’t always about what to say. It’s about when, how, and why.
Facebook Foolery
Let’s keep it a buck, foolishness doesn’t always wear a dunce cap. Sometimes it wears a suit. Sometimes it quotes Scripture. Sometimes… It’s us.
Ever argued with someone and walked away thinking, “Man… I feel like I just got demoted by three grade levels!”? That’s verse 4. When you start swinging on their level, you get muddy in their mess. Same tone. Same tactics. Same trap.
But then there’s verse 5. Sometimes silence makes the fool think he’s got the mic. Unfortunately, social media has given everyone a mic and a lack of biblical literacy has allowed fools to gain a following. So, when falsehoods go unchecked, they fester. When lies are loud and truth is mute, foolishness gets followers.
So… which one of these verses do we live by?
Bo-Fumm! (Translation- Both of them.)
Jesus Didn’t Clap Back, He Called Higher
Let’s take it to the top. Jesus handled this like a champ.
When Herod mocked Him, Jesus didn’t say a word (Luke 23:9). Silent. Unbothered. But when the Pharisees twisted Scripture and manipulated people, Jesus came with “Woe unto you…” like thunder (Matthew 23). No filters. No fluff. Do you see the difference?
Why the difference?
Discernment. Jesus didn’t react, He responded. And He always did so with love, clarity, and Kingdom purpose. When you are a part of the Kingdom of God you are under His reign. Everything you do is geared towards the completion of God’s mission. Jesus wasn’t trying to win the argument. He was trying to win souls back to God
3 Tips to Improve Your Witness & Response
Pause Before You Post (Press Enter or Preach)
Ask: Is this the Spirit… or just my sarcasm needing a platform?Pray for Kingdom Discernment
Ask: Does this moment call for a sword or silence? Both are tools in the Kingdom but only one is right in the moment.Speak to Build, Not Just Burn
If you do speak, make sure it’s not to clap back but to call higher. Aim for correction with connection.
We (The Church) Need Wisdom Not Noise
We’re not called to be the loudest in the room. We’re called to be the light in the room. Sometimes that light exposes. Sometimes it illuminates. Sometimes it just shines quietly in the corner until someone asks where it came from. Come on now!
The world wants us to argue like we do about who gets to cook the mac and cheese on Thanksgiving. But Jesus wants us to disciple like servants. Which environment is better for disciples (students)?
You don’t need to engage every fool with a megaphone. But you also can’t let every lie go unchecked. We need wisdom, the kind that discerns when to pick up the sword… and when to pass the mic.
So the next time you feel the heat rise, the fingers twitch, or the reply forming in your spirit, ask the Holy Spirit first:
Lord, is this a verse 4 moment? Or a verse 5 one?
Let’s be the Church that knows the difference. Be the light. Be LED.
Solomon had great wisdom. Check out my latest podcast episode about wisdom below!
