by the pharmer 1 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
Can anyone tell me if the following idea is taught or found specifically in any WTBTS literature (and if so, where can I find it)?
We must be very careful of how we allow others to label us. Sometimes the best answer we can give is no answer.
Thanks!
Pharmer
9/1/73, p. 542:
“A
TIMETOKEEPQUIETANDATIMETOSPEAK”
An elder may simply not know the answer to certain questions put to him. Or he may be uncertain as to how Scriptural principles apply in a certain matter. What should he do?
One could easily let fear of ‘losing face’ or prestige in the eyes of the questioner pressure one to come out with some kind of answer. But this is not the ‘mildness or humility of wisdom.’ Presumption leads to dishonor; modesty shows wisdom. (Prov. 11:2) Proverbs 21:23 counsels: “He that is keeping his mouth and his tongue is keeping his soul from distresses.” Far better to acknowledge that you do not know than to give a wrong answer that could result in distressing problems. Yes, there is a “time to keep quiet and a time to speak,” and the time to speak is when you have had opportunity to find the correct answer.—Eccl. 3:7.
Actually, some questions are best left unanswered. They may be simply speculative, not dealing with any actual existing situation or problem. Such inquiries often “end up in nothing,” only furnishing “questions for research rather than a dispensing of anything by God in connection with faith,” yes, just “idle talk.” (1 Tim. 1:4-7; 2 Tim. 2:14) Even though the questioner may be quite insistent, the discreet counselor may decide to hold back from involvement.—Prov. 12:8; 17:27.
