Awkward Silence

You are having a conversation with someone, and it comes to a halt abruptly because neither of you can think of anything to say. You feel awkward because it was not a natural end to your conversation.  So what do you do? What should you say? Or should you say anything at all?

Your mind may be scrambling for something to say, but maybe you don't need to say anything. If you can't think of something to say that is of value, you'll find yourself saying things that you will regret. I think it is better to say nothing than to force conversation that is unnecessary and unfruitful.
Proverbs 10:19 says, "Where there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise."

If our words are fewer, our transgressions will be fewer. The less we speak, the less opportunities we afford our mouths to transgress. In Matthew 12:36 Jesus says, "But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgement." We should use our lips with caution. We will not just have to give an account for unkind words but careless, idle words that do not edify. This is a sobering thought to me.

Maybe we could use a bit more of some good ol' awkward silence. The next time you do not know what to say, pray and ask God to show you whether you should speak or be silent. Ask Him what to say. Be sensitive and keep the Scripture in mind. He will show you what to say if you are His. Remember, silence is okay. Psalm 141:3 says, "Set a gaurd, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips." May God set a guard over our tongues, and may we be quick to listen and slow to speak!