Hebrews chapter 5 verse 11 (NIV)
We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand.
Ecclesiastes chapter 3 verse 7(NIV)
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak…
The writer of Hebrews sounds a little exasperated at the response of those who no longer tried to understand what they were being taught. Perhaps those concerned didn’t want to hear what was being taught because they would have to change and didn’t want to. I don’t think it would be because it was too complicated. God never makes things heard to understand. I think they made that choice.
We can all do that. We can choose to turn a deaf ear when we don’t like what we hear. We may also find too that people we share our faith with may also not take on board what we say.
We need to be very wise when speaking to people. There are times when it is right to speak and times when it’s right to be silent. We need to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s mind on these things. Sometimes we have to wait until the individuals concerned are ready to listen. But if it’s not yet the right time to speak, it’s always the right time to pray.
Dear Lord,
Keep my heart soft and ready to understand. Grant me wisdom and discernment regarding when to speak and when to stay silent. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.