A well-known (but currently unemployed) NFL player ignited a firestorm with comments he made about women. In this fellow’s mind, a woman who “knows how to cook” and “how to keep quiet” is the very model of feminine grace and accomplishment. I laughed when I read the comments. As a believing woman who submits to the authority of Scripture, I have often heard and seen this distorted view of women wrapped in religious garments. Because doesn’t the scripture commend women who possess the rare beauty of a meek and quiet spirit? Shouldn’t the woman learn in silence?
But here’s the thing. Scripture invites ALL of us to shut up from time to time.
Ecc. 3:7: There is a time to be silent and a time to speak.
Ps. 39:1 I will keep my mouth with a bridle while the wicked is before me.
Proverbs 10:19 In the multitude of words, sin is not wanting, but he who restrains his lips is prudent.
1Thes. 4:11 Make it your business to study to be quiet.
John 19: 8-11 Jesus stood, quiet before Pilate.
The idea that times of strategic silence should be practiced only by women reveals the comical ignorance and misogyny of those who espouse such a view. Would that all of us would dry up when our words are ill-timed, cruel or simply unnecessary. Job’s friends did more harm to him with their many words than the initial commiseration and empathy brought by their silence. Silence makes even the foolish appear wise.
It was hysterically ironic that even as this fellow spoke of the virtues of female silence, his mouth was canceling the dwindling chances he had of landing a starting position with any team.
Perhaps he should heed his own counsel?
Over the years I have learned to treasure times of quiet, not as part of some rehabilitative or punitive discipline designed for women, but because God places a premium on elective times of silence. In the quietness, there is often a convergence of time and eternity, when I am reminded that the world is passing away and only eternal things will last. God alone endures unchanging on. In quietness, the Holy Spirit brings me into deeper communion with the Father, and reminds me as he reminded Martha, that only one thing is needful. I receive counsel, direction and strength. My soul is refreshed. Quietness can be a rest, a reprieve from the cares of this world. Why wouldn’t we all crave more of more it? Seek it? Study how to attain it? For this indeed is the better part.