6 keys to peace and Quiet

 Read Proverbs 17.

Peace and quiet are missing elements in our noisy, high-tech, informational bombarding world.  We need times of turning off the noise.  Withdrawing to a place of solitude for prayer and spiritual renewal is necessary for our well-being.  There are times when remaining quiet, when we could have spoken, shows wise discernment.  Living in contentment instead of striving for more brings inner satisfaction. 

Several verses in this chapter underscore the values of peace and quiet. 
1. Our home. (v.1)
Having more stuff often brings more stress and strife with it.  Being grateful for what we have is essential to peace at home.

2. Our listening. (v.4)
What goes in is sure to come out.  A person who allows their ears to listen to evil, wicked words will be affected in their thinking, their speech and their behavior.  We need to screen, and even steel, ourselves from people, music, and movies that are offensive to the LORD.

3. Our trustworthiness. (v.9)
Covering has to do with keeping quiet about someone else's sin.  Ideally, with confession and forgiveness, the matter can be resolved quietly and peaceably.  But when instead the sin is told to those who are not part of the problem or part of the solution, a person's character can be destroyed.  Open conflict will be the result.

4. Our responses. (v.14)
When conflict does come (and it will), it is important to respond quickly and not allow escalation.  It is easier to deal with a small disagreement than it is to stop a war.

5. Our family. (v.17)
Many times we are not able to cope with the trouble that comes our way.  We need someone to listen to us, to love us, and to provide assistance.  That is why God has given us a family.  Friends may come and go, but we have family by birth.  Many do not have a natural family to whom they can turn.  The church is a family of believers who can provide that kind of mutual support for each other.

6. Our discretion. (v.20)
Knowing when to speak up and when to be quiet requires wisdom.  Telling all we know in every conversation is foolishness.  Sometimes the hardest work of all is the ministry of simply listening to another's strife.  Wisdom is often demonstrated by its restraint as much as its actions.