May 20 – EXCELLENCE OF SILENCE !

“I was mute with silence; I held my peace even from good” (Psalm 39:2). 

Once a king, was riding on his royal elephant, in all majesty.  Noticing the king on his ride, a little sparrow asked him in a mocking manner: ‘would you like to have one penny, that I have?’.  Even as the king disregarded the sparrow, it kept on asking the same question to the king.

Beyond a point, the king was so irritated that he told the sparrow to give the coin and flee from that place.  The sparrow also gave him the coin, and immediately started shaming the king, saying:  ‘This king is a beggar.  He got a penny from me as alms.

The king was very angry and tried to catch that sparrow and punish it.  Since he could not do that, he threw back the coin at the sparrow.  But the sparrow was adamant in shaming the king, shouting: ‘This king is a coward.  He is afraid of me and has returned my money to me’.  The king was humiliated and embarrassed beyond limits.

If only the king had continued to disregard that insignificant sparrow, he could have preserved his dignity and honour.

Once a man named Shimei was continuously cursing King David.  But David did not open his mouth.  Then Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Please, let me go over and take off his head!”  But the king said, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? So let him curse, because the Lord has said to him, ‘Curse David.’ Who then shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’ ” (2 Samuel 16:9-10).  With these words, he went on his way.

Children of God, when others reproach and curse you, or make false allegations against you, or spread rumours about you, when they shame and mock at you – never lose your composure or get irritated or angry.

Cast all your pains, worries and burdens at the feet of the Lord and remain silent.  Rejoice in the Lord and praise Him.  You shall never be put to shame.

Verse for further meditation: “Do not answer a fool according to his folly, Lest you also be like him” (Proverbs 26:4).