“Great souls suffer in silence.” -Friedrich Schiller

That is to say, those who are noble or virtuous do not complain or grumble about their sufferings, but suffer in silence. Yea, many times perhaps we may never even see or be aware of the suffering that happens inwardly on some people.

Solomon also said similar things:

“A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.” -Proverbs 29:11

“A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.” -Proverbs 12:16

And perhaps the greatest example we have of silent suffering is in the person of Jesus Christ. Who, when He was condemned to death, did not speak a word against the ordeal, but endured it as a truly “great soul.”

“He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.” -Isaiah 53:7

“And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man’s mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.” -Exodus 4:10-12

Here we see a reluctance of Moses, on account of his lack of natural ability. God had chosen him as a spokesman, and he felt inadequate because he was evidently a poor speaker.

And so, God allowed Moses’ brother Aaron to be the spokesman, while all of the miracles and wonders were still done through Moses. And throughout the book of Exodus, we may safely assume that every time it says that “Moses spoke unto” so-and-so, that it was actually Aaron doing the speaking, with Moses hearing the words from God, and communicating them to Aaron.

Yet a funny thing happened in the midst of Moses’ ministry among the Israelites: though he was initially very timid and not confident in his natural abilities, he eventually grew into the role that God had for him, and by the end of his life, Moses appeared to be every bit as talented a speaker as his brother Aaron.

Consider this happening among Moses’ lifetime: his brother Aaron—his faithful spokesman—died in the wilderness. “And Aaron the priest went up into mount Hor at the commandment of the LORD, and died there, in the fortieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the first day of the fifth month” (Numbers 33:38).

Following this, Moses was well able to give quite a lengthy and perhaps skillful oration to all the nation of Israel; for it appears that virtually the entire book of Deuteronomy is simply a big speech that Moses delivered to his people before he died, as they were about to cross over the Jordan into the promised land. “And Moses went and spake these words unto all Israel” (Deuteronomy 31:1).

God enables those whom He calls

So we see in this situation, that even though Moses doubted his own abilities—and to an extent, even God’s providential care to enable him to speak—he became competent to do God’s will as he walked in it, and was empowered as he followed and obeyed God.

And what if Moses had refused to lead God’s people out of Egypt? Would he have been given this ability to speak as he did? I believe he would’ve been just as poor a speaker as the day that God called him—the transformation, and the providence of God, is only seen in obedience. We are only benefited from God’s gifts as we follow the command to “go.” If we stay where we are, we neither walk in God’s will, nor are changed and empowered to perform His bidding.

“For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God? It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet, and setteth me upon my high places. He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms. Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.” -Psalm 18:31-35

“Oblivion is the rule, and fame the exception, of humanity.” -Antoine de Rivarol

In general, we think that because we are great at the present moment, we will continue to be considered great throughout all time. We are short-sighted, and don’t consider the layers of leveled kingdoms, and forgotten empires that have been washed away by the seas of time. In nearly all instances, no matter how great or noble we think we may be, after our earthly passing, all will pass away and be forgotten, and our earthly memorial will go into oblivion.

And in the Bible, even king Solomon recognized this, and was not ignorant of the futility of his work. Such things weighed heavily upon his mind, and he wrote of his despair when considering such poor prospects:

“For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise man? as the fool. Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit. Yea, I hated all my labour which I had taken under the sun: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me. And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise man or a fool? yet shall he have rule over all my labour wherein I have laboured, and wherein I have shewed myself wise under the sun. This is also vanity.” -Ecclesiastes 2:16-19

But Scripture also teaches of a way that we can be preserved forever—though not for our own glory or fame, but for God’s. For in looking at the ever-changing conditions on planet earth, with its ever-shifting kingdoms and powers, and its bloody revolutions and wars, we can sometimes overlook one thing that is changeless and perfect: God.

Only the One who has created all things, and has existed before the beginning of all things—yea, created the very concept of a beginning, and an end—only the everlasting God can be truly changeless.

“Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. Thou turnest man to destruction; and sayest, Return, ye children of men. For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.” -Psalm 90:2-4

Yet through the gospel of Jesus Christ, we have offered to us everlasting life, salvation, and the privilege to spend eternity with God—the unchangeable One—in heaven with Him. It was for this very purpose that man was created, that we might be a pleasure unto God for all time. “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created” (Revelation 4:11).

We need but to relinquish our current life, our selfish ambitions, and lay them at the foot of the cross, and looking with hope and faith unto God, come into the golden glory of a life everlasting, lived forever unto the glory of God.

“And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.” -Daniel 12:2-3

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” -James 1:5

Here’s the key and solution to foolishness: simply ask God for wisdom, and He will freely give to anyone that asks, if he asks in faith. But perhaps the biggest obstacle to obtaining wisdom is not in mustering up enough faith to ask of God, but rather, in seeing our need.

Notice one crucial word in the above verse: lack. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God. . .” More often than not, we simply don’t see our own need, and we don’t see our ignorance.

James did not write, “if any of you would like wisdom. . .” And we usually think, “well, I have a fair degree of wisdom on my own, but it would be nice to have this supplemented with some of God’s wisdom as well. I can do very well enough in most endeavors on my own, but in certain circumstances, I find myself in need of just a bit more wisdom.”

I believe such prideful thoughts and requests will go unanswered by God.

We do not truly believe that we lack wisdom. We do not see our own folly clearly enough to make a heartfelt petition before God.

The example of Solomon

In examining this subject of wisdom, it would be helpful to look at the one who is most often thought to be the wisest man who ever lived: king Solomon.

Perhaps we think that he had natural ability and wisdom, and that God merely allowed it to flourish more fully, yet such notions couldn’t be further from the truth: Solomon was helpless, and though excellent in spirit, he was admittedly ignorant and unable to lead a nation—Solomon said as much in his very own words. And yet, it was this very humility, this very “lacking” of widsom, that made him so great.

Right along with James 1:5, Solomon gives us a by-the-book example of how to obtain wisdom: 1) acknowledge your dire need, and 2) ask in faith.

“And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?” -1 Kings 3:7-9

“And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage. And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them.” -Exodus 2:23-25

In the above passage, we find that Israel had come under great oppression and slavery, and the entire nation groaned for release: and we see a very important phrase at the very end: “and God had respect unto them.” That is to say, God gave regard to their situation, and respected the cries which they made unto Him.

And in all stations and walks of life, God listens to the prayers and cries of those who are weak, oppressed, or in need. He delights to answer such prayers, and to triumph over the proud.

“Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt. Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child. If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry;” -Exodus 22:21-23

We who are Christians ought to be the friends and allies of God, and not put ourselves in a position that would in any way resist Him. If the above statements from Scripture are all true, then we need to ask ourselves: are we the helpless and needy, or are we the ones who are working oppression upon others?

“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” -Matthew 5:3-12

“And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.” -1 Kings 19:11-12

A strong wind, an earthquake, and a fire: here we see the prophet Elijah encountering many strong and powerful forces—things that were no doubt caused by God. And in all of these things, Scripture says that “the Lord was not in” them.

It was the still, small voice—a whisper—in which God spoke with Elijah. And today in the New Testament church, we ought to see even clearer—since the Holy Spirit dwells within our very own heart—that God has no need to yell or shout at us, and He instead speaks in a whisper: from heart to heart.

Yet it is in the nature of the devil, and perhaps built into our own sinful hearts, that we wish to be spoken to with a scream. We are waiting for a great shout from God, when in reality, He is waiting to speak to us with a whisper. If we are in carnality and sin, our thoughts are liable to be tossed about in chaos, and we may very well miss the crucial message of God’s Spirit for our lives.

“Again I say, you are as a heavenly flag, set upon a flagpole within the world. Do not entangle yourself with the thrashings and tumults of this present life, else when My gentle wind blows, you will not be responsive to the callings that I send you. Should your flag be tossed about with the turbulence of carnality, you will in no way react to My breeze.” -Tears from a Lonely God, chapter 20, Lead by My Spirit

“The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.” -Proverbs 29:25

As I mentioned in a previous post, Amy Carmichael was walking home from church, and saw an old lady carrying a heavy burden and in need of help. Amy stopped and helped her, yet many other of her church members stopped and stared, or avoided her altogether—for the old woman’s appearance was haggard and messy. At this, Amy began to feel a bit ashamed and embarrassed for doing a good deed.

Yet just then, Amy heard a voice speaking to her the words of Scripture:

“Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.” -1 Corinthians 3:12-14

From that day onward, Amy Carmichael would be a changed person, and she no longer lived under the fear of man. She was convinced that the only one worth pleasing was God, and it didn’t matter what anyone else thought.

Amy’s story comes in stark contrast to that of the Pharisees in Jesus’ time. For the religious rulers of the day had seemingly no backbone, and they were always living in continual fear of what others might think of them outwardly; they said long prayers—not because of a trust in God, but because of a fear of men: they wanted to be seen of them; they gave tithes and made it very obvious when they did it so that everyone knew how “generous” they were; when they fasted, they made their faces look uncomfortable so everyone would see what a “sacrifice” they were making for God; yet it was all for show. Everything that the Pharisees did was out of a fear of man.

Even if one of the Pharisees had been interested in Jesus’ teachings, they dared not show it openly, but would come to Him in secret. “There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night. . .” (John 3:1-2).

And when they saw that Jesus was teaching things that absolutely opposed their way of life, they became angry. Ironic, that the supposed most religious people of the day—the ones that were supposed to be the closest to God—became so angry at the very Son of God coming to earth, that they wanted to kill Him!

And while it is not good that they crucified Him, we see in their reluctance and hesitation to do so even further evidence of their “fear of men.”

“And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them. But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.” -Matthew 21:45-46

Lessons for us today

While Jesus was the Son of God, and in every way good, it ought to be noticed that independent of this fact, the Pharisees were paralyzed from taking action against Him simply because they were afraid of what other people would think.

Likewise, we can easily become paralyzed into inactivity from a fear of man—having a fear that people might think we are too holy, too righteous, or too extreme if we take a stand against sin or uncleanness. As the Proverb says, “The fear of man bringeth a snare. . .” (Proverbs 29:25). And so instead of offend man, we offend God, and commit a sin.

We ought to remember who has given us life: God. We ought to remember who has given us salvation: God. We ought to remember who will stand judge at that last and final day: it is none other than God. Man’s views, and his opinions, are of no weight or importance in a Christian’s life, but God’s will is of utmost importance. What folly it is to please men that we do not even like and at the same time offend the enthroned King of Heaven: whom we claim to love and serve!

“For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” -Galatians 1:10