Silence is an active form of communication same as talking. Silence can either be positive or negative. When one is speaking, positive silence can be used to indicate that the listener is actively engaged in the conversation and is listening attentively. While negative silence, on the other hand, refers to silence meant to convey a negative message or show disapproval. BETTY AMUKPO dwells on this subject with some children. They respond thus:
‘It’s deemed wise and intelligent’
Silent disrespect causes the recipient to experience fear, anger, shame, confusion, uncertainty, isolation, self-doubt, depression and a host of physical ailments such as fatigue and hypertension. Proverbs 10:19 says, “Silence can help us avoid sin and gain respect”, but Proverbs 11:12 states “It’s deemed wise and intelligent”. As a Christian and child of God, you have to practice self-control always.
• Umennadi Francis Chibunna
‘It is good to remain silent if someone is angry’
You can always be disrespectful to the person who is being disrespectful to you. But what would that make you? Another disrespectful person; so keep your calm and be polite and when the situation gets out of control, walk away politely. It is good to keep silent if someone is angry and you don’t want to say anything to fuel his/her anger or create even more drama. Silence can help us avoid sin, and gain respect (Proverbs 10:19). Silence can increase self-awareness, self-compassion and improve decision making and skills with improved mental clarity. At times we need to be silent. Proverbs 13:3 says whoever guards his mouth preserves his life. Silence creates the enabling environment and prepares us to meet with God. It facilitates attitude of humility before our creator that enables us to be slow to speak and quick to listen (James 1:19). When words are many, transgression is not lacking (Proverb.10:19.
• Anita Chima
‘Being Silent can seem disrespectful in situations where a response is expected, but it can also be the conscious and wiser option’
Being Silent can seem disrespectful in situations where a response is expected, but it can also be the conscious and wiser option. Ecclesiastes 3:7 teaches us that there are times when we should speak and times when we should be silent. The difficult part is identifying when each is appropriate, but with God’s aid, we will be able to choose the ideal time.
• Adenike Sobayo
‘Silence is a language of the wise’
No! Being Silent is not disrespect; rather, silence is a language of the wise that they prefer over the foolish tittle-tattle. We must understand the power of our words and use them carefully, instead of speaking without thinking, resulting in breaking hearts and spreading lies. Proverbs 17:28, says “Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.” Staying silent helps give you a reason to speak, to analyse your situations and yourself, to be aware of how you are going to react.
• Abigail Martins
‘Being silent can be disrespectful if you ignore someone talking to you’
Silence simply means complete absence of sound. Silence is the key to success. Ways of being silent are: 1. Take a deep breath: you can be silent when you take a deep breath.
2. Rest your mind.
3. Listen to music: You can be silent when you listen to music. It helps calm the activity in your brain.
4. Exercise your body: You can be silent when you exercise your body like taking a brisk walk, which can help calm your mind, improve your mood, enable you to focus and sleep.
5. Be creative: You can be silent by being creative, when you engage in some activities like colouring books etc. It can help redirect your thoughts.
Being silent can be disrespectful in the sense that somebody is talking to you and you keep quiet and just look at the person and ignoring him or her. We should be silent like Joseph of Nazareth. He was the silent man in the Bible who used his silence to listen and not to ignore someone talking to you.
• Chibuike R. Anyasor
‘Being silent is not disrespectful because when we talk too much, we tend to lie’
Being silent is not disrespectful because when we talk too much, we tend to lie for most part of it. And also, being silent helps us in controlling our anger; for it also helps us to think. James 1:19 says: “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
• Eyinade Gideon
‘Refraining from speaking in certain situations indicates self-control’
Disrespect is all about not showing respect. Actually by acting rude, impolite and offensive. Talking back at your teacher is showing disrespect to his/her authority. Not giving up your seat to an elderly person is an act of disrespect. Scripture tells us that silence can help us avoid sin (Proverbs 10:19); gain respect (Proverbs 11:12), and is deemed wise and intelligent (Proverbs 17:28). In other words, you may be blessed by holding your tongue. Ultimately, refraining from speaking in certain situations indicates we are practicing self-control. Proverbs teaches that at times we need to be silent. “Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life” (Proverbs 13:3), and “when words are many, transgression is not lacking” (Proverbs 10:19).
• Okononfua Bryan
‘Through God’s words we can be empowered to speak out, for it can lead to great things’
There is “A time to keep silent and a time to speak” Ecclesiastes 3:7. Being quiet can be a struggle, but it can also be a good virtue to have. The Bible commends those who are able to keep the peace and listen, but however discourages being quiet due to timidity. Through God’s words we can be empowered to speak out, for it can lead to great things. Through these Bible verses, we can find a balance and learn the importance of being quiet to seek God and grow in wisdom.
• Sandra Ojimadu
‘As a Catholic child I believe that silence isn’t disrespect but respect
As a Catholic child, I believe that silence isn’t disrespect but respect. There is a proverb which says “speech is silver, silence is golden”. Ecclesiastes 3:7 also summarises the fact that there is time to be silent and there is time to talk. These are potent reasons that silence isn’t disrespect at all.
• Obhakhan Ohin
