“Silence is Golden but Duct Tape is Silver”
November 24, 2011
The phrase, “Silence is golden” is probably better known than the adage, “Speech is silver, silence is golden.” I recently came across a student who was given the assignment to write on the less familiar quote and she asked for help on Facebook. Some of the responses that were intended to help the student jump start her assignment were comical to me. One person suggested to write the assignment on the advice that it is better to keep quiet than to speak your mind. Another said since gold is more valuable than silver, this is good advice to keep in mind especially when traveling in the car with your children.
It has been suggested that ‘Speech is silver, but silence is golden,” had its origin in Victorian times when it was felt that children “should be seen but not heard.” In recent history, others have whimsically modified the saying to “Silence is golden, but duct tape is silver.” What better offense against too much talking than duct tape? That tactic should ensure some peace and quiet.
However, when it comes to Thanksgiving Day and thanks giving every day, silence is not so golden. William Arthur Ward, a frequently quoted inspirational author, once said, “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” What use does a wrapped present, not presented have?
Expressing gratitude is key in our relationships with one another, and most essential in our relationship with Jehovah, the self existing One, the One true God. When we ponder our “too many to track” blessings from our LORD, and when we think of His amazing gift of the death and resurrection of His Son for the forgiveness of our sins, we should be overflowing in golden speech of thanksgiving to Him. God’s children are seen by El Roi, the God Who sees, and His children should be heard giving praise and thanks for all He has done and continues to do. Why not wrap up that gift of gratitude and present it to Him today!
1 Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so…
Psalm 107:1-2
With thanksgiving and much love,
Cammy and Sheryl