When silence is the best answer

When silence is the best answer

There are more than just a few statements that revolve around the idea that the greater part of wisdom is knowing when to keep your mouth shut. And while most of us would agree with this idea I still find it interesting how very many people fail to follow it. And yes, this would upon occasion include me.

While it is my job to communicate sometimes the best form of communication is a closed mouth. Sure, it is my desire to help the person see the error of their statement or action. Though in my attempts to educate them, I can fall into the error of just being plain stupid, or for this conversation, failing to keep my mouth closed.

We all know that there are some things better left unsaid, but generally, we only notice them after they have left our mouths. Why is that? I expect it has something to do with 20/20 hindsight. We can see the result or lack thereof. Wisdom: the accurate use of knowledge. Or perhaps thinking before acting is a reasonable definition.

This same phenomenon also arises in writing, we all have read a post or a comment that we wince after reading. We wonder if the person writing it then took the time to read it before they place it upon the page for all to see. Communication is hard enough under normal circumstances, but when we add any stress or even a timeline mistakes happen.

So, I expect my point is when we need to respond, or even desire to respond it might behoove us to pause, ponder then answer. We might find out that the best answer is simply to remain quiet. Voiceless, pen un-lifted, keyboard unused and remain wise then to respond and join in the error.

Blessings!!!