The Power of Doing Nothing

For Friday, October 26, 2007
Proverbs 26:20

For lack of wood the fire goes out,
and where there is no whisperer,
quarreling ceases.

There is great power in talk. It only takes a few words to create a fire. A few words can enrage, humiliate, scandalize, create discension. A few words can break up friendships and loyalties, cast suspicion on people of integrity. A few words can spread trouble like winds spreading a wildfire.

In like manner, there is great power in silence. The spark that needs the wind to turn into flames dies out. The fire that has begun burns itself out. All you have to do is not spread the words. Such inaction is effective, not only because you are not a conduit, but because you set the tone for others to follow. The whisperer loses his boldness when you do not respond. The excitement of gossip loses its energy when you do not join in.

There is a thrill to spreading gossip that needs others to join in. Refuse to join and you ruin the "fun" of the other gossipers. Don't become a whisperer. You very inaction will make you a powerful firefighter.