On life (96) – ”Resounding Silence” – 16/10/2015

   In the previous articles we spoke about silence, its reasons, importance as well as the power of a silent person at times of anger: for it prevents man from hurting others.

   Silence can also be important whenever some people scorn you: for plunging into such unseemly conversations has a negative impact on everybody. In the Bible, we read, “Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him.” Indeed, during such conversations, people would not differentiate the good from the bad. If you cannot stop scornful conversations, then get out lest you hurt others.

   Man also keeps quiet when he feels that the others cannot understand his words or do not get them the way they are meant to be, but the way they want them to be. How painful it is when one is not understood by his dear ones! In this case, silence translates to outcries within man’s heart. Nobody would understand them but God. At certain moments silence speaks volumes!

   Man needs a lot of time to learn the art of silence. Ernest Hemingway asserts that man needs two years to learn how to speak and fifty to learn how to keep quiet. Whoever is good at silence is good at talking. Yet, there is time for silence, and time for talking. How hard it is that man keeps quiet when he actually has to talk! Martin Luther King says, “In the end, we shall not remember our enemies’ words, but our friends’ silence!” If one feels wronged, he would feel even worse if his dear ones keep quiet. He might forget hurting words, but he would not forget his friends’ silence easily before those hurting words. One of the most beautiful phrases I read regarding this was, “If you are neutral in cases of wrong-doing, then you are supporting the wrong-doer.” Silence can be an attempt to be neutral. Yet, it can add to injustice if it does not help the wronged person. I would like to tell the wronged person: Fear not. If the whole universe keeps quiet at injustice, your tears and prayers resound in heaven, and God, the great Judge, hears them.

   Silence can also be hard when man needs encouragement, comforting, or a piece of advice from his dear ones. At such moments, silence is counted painful neglect and hurtful rejection.

   Thus, talk and give care to whoever needs them, even if he does not deserve them. Indeed, none of us is worthy. Yet, God is so generous as not to abandon His creation: be they worthy or not. He strengthens them in weakness, comforts them in hardship, and guides them in loss.

General Bishop
Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center