“Esther had not told anyone.”
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where the words bubble up inside you, begging to be let out?
Sometimes, holding your tongue feels as effortless as a gentle breeze, while other times, it’s like trying to keep a volcano from erupting. It’s a delicate dance between what we want to say and what we choose to keep to ourselves.
Esther was a young orphan who had been adopted by her uncle. She found herself caught up in the absurdity of the King’s method for selecting a new queen. Beautiful young virgin women from the kingdom were rounded up and taken to the King’s palace, much like cattle being herded to market. These women were prepared to spend the night with the King, who would then decide which one would become his new queen.
At first, it might have seemed obvious that Esther should keep her nationality a secret as she entered the King’s palace. Jews were not widely accepted and were often looked down upon. However, if she spoke up, perhaps she could be excused from the humiliation of being paraded in front of the King. If she weren’t chosen, her life would be over—she would have no family, no children, and no future of her own.
Esther wisely followed the advice of her uncle and kept her nationality quiet.
As a result of the King’s decree, Esther, along with many other young women, was brought to the King’s harem at the fortress of Susa and placed in Hegai’s care. Hegai was very impressed with Esther and treated her kindly… Esther had not told anyone of her nationality and family background, because Mordecai had directed her not to do so.” (Esther 2:8-10, NLT)
Even after Esther became queen, she continued to remain silent about her nationality.
“Even after all the young women had been transferred to the second harem and Mordecai had become a palace official, Esther continued to keep her family background and nationality a secret. She was still following Mordecai’s directions, just as she did when she lived in his home.” (Esther 2:19-20, NLT)
What can we learn from Queen Esther about when to remain silent?
What Esther Had
In a new realm full of uncertainty, young Esther, the orphan who became a Queen, undoubtedly felt the pressure of her unexpected role. However, she possessed a critical component that not only shaped her destiny but also holds potential for all of us as we learn when to speak up and when to remain silent.
Esther had followed Mordecai’s advice to remain silent and later accepted Hegai’s guidance. “When it was Esther’s turn to go to the King, she accepted the advice of Hegai, the eunuch in charge of the harem. She asked for nothing except what he suggested, and she was admired by everyone who saw her” (Esther 2:15, NLT, bold added for emphasis).
The Hebrew word for “admired” is “hen,” which means favor, acceptance, or graciousness. The admiration shown by others was not merely due to physical beauty; it stemmed from something much deeper. Choosing to follow Hegai’s guidance was a wise decision that allowed Esther’s inner beauty to shine.
While other women adorned themselves with extravagant attire, Esther chose simplicity. Through the wisdom Hegai imparted, Esther learned that sometimes, less is more.
Not much has changed in a culture that presses us to believe that having more is the key to success and happiness. Slowing down to seek wisdom is often overlooked.
Wisdom is a reflection of intentionality. Whether seeking wise advice or whispering a prayer for surrender and guidance, wisdom is not accidental but stems from a purposeful approach.
Taking the time to seek wisdom before speaking isn’t natural, but it is essential for knowing when to stay silent.
- If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (James 1:5, NIV)
- But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. (James 3:17, ESV)
- Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. (Proverbs 19:20, ESV)
- The one who has knowledge (wisdom) uses words with restraint. (Proverbs 17:27, NIV)
- Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish. (Proverbs 18:13, NLT)
- The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Proverbs 12:18, NIV)
- Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips. (Psalm 141:3, NIV)
God is faithful in granting us wisdom when we seek it. He is always available through prayer, no matter the time or place. Asking for wisdom before we speak is essential to shaping our outcomes.
I pray that you learn to seek God’s wisdom on when to speak up and when to remain silent. God will grow the fruit of self-discipline within you when it comes to your words, and when in wisdom and obedience, you choose to remain silent, God will bless you and your situation. So be it, in Jesus’ name.
Meditate: God be the guard over my mouth and the door to my lips.
Reflect: Do you struggle with holding your tongue? Ask God – what does He want you to know about remaining silent? Is there a relationship, or a situation, where you need to say less and listen more?
Deeper: (As you read through these additional verses, ask the Spirit to give you wisdom, and teach you more about when to speak up and when to remain silent.). Esth r 1-2:18; Proverbs 18:1-8; Psalm 141: 1-3, James 1:5, 3: 13-18
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(Bible References: NLT – New Living Translation, ESV – English Standard Version, NIV – New International Version)
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