“Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him.” Prov 26:4
A few weeks ago, I reflected on a powerful grace and gift given to mankind: silence. We explored its role in Job’s story, its connection to wisdom, its presence in quiet moments before God, its value in prayer, and its profound ability to create space for God’s guidance. Today, I want to focus on silence in the face of judgment—answering those who wish to judge, condemn, or provoke you, not with words but with silence.
The Bible speaks of the wisdom in answering a fool with silence. Jesus, our Lord and Saviour, embodied this perfectly. When He was brought before men who mocked Him as “King of the Jews” and hurled accusations at Him, He chose not to respond. Instead of engaging, Jesus remained silent.
The Book of Proverbs repeatedly highlights the wisdom of this approach. It teaches that engaging with those who are disrespectful or seeking to provoke often leads to unnecessary conflict. Silence, however, has the power to expose folly, allowing the weight of the accuser’s words to hang in the air, unvalidated. By refusing to stoop to their level, you preserve your dignity and avoid being drawn into their negativity.
When we consider Christ’s questioning, we see a deeper truth. Often, when someone challenges or questions your choices, they are not seeking understanding. Their goal is to judge, to poke holes in your decisions, to make you doubt yourself, or to elevate their own position by causing you to second-guess yours. In such moments, the best response is silence.
Jesus, our Saviour, demonstrated the strength of silence during His trials. He was brought before the chief priests, Pilate, and Herod, yet He often chose not to answer their accusations or mockery. In Matthew 27:12-14, despite being falsely accused, Jesus remained silent. This act fulfilled the prophecy in Isaiah 53:7, which says: “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.”
This deliberate silence was not passive; it was a bold declaration of His trust in God’s justice and His refusal to be provoked into futile arguments. By staying silent, Jesus showed us that true strength lies not in defending ourselves before those who judge us unfairly but in trusting God to vindicate us in His time.
Silence before critics, judges, or those who seek to provoke is a reflection of wisdom, faith, and self-control. It protects your peace, exposes the folly of others, and demonstrates your unwavering trust in God’s sovereignty. Just as Jesus modeled this, we too can find power in the gift of silence.
Author
kay.alli@legalview.co.uk