I always laugh when I see these types of posts on social media: “I normally don’t speak up about this sort of thing, but I felt compelled to say…”
They fell into the trap. They fell into the trap of thinking they needed to say something on social media about the latest scandal, tragedy, soap box… whatever.
Not gonna lie, I’m tempted by this trap often. But I’ve found silence really is golden. Here’s why.
1. Information travels faster than truth.
People love a fascinating fact. They love it so much that they’ll share it with others before checking its veracity. Consequently, one lie gets spread faster than truth can correct.
Want proof of this? Just fact check the last five posts from these Twitter accounts: @UnrevealedTips, @WhatTheFFacts, and @neverknownfacts
Those Twitter accounts profess themselves to be factual, but they’re filled with errors. Same goes for many articles, news stories, etc. Truth takes a lot longer to discover than our ability to write a tweet, blog, or Facebook post.
2. Wise people stay silent.
Solomon wrote in Proverbs 17:28 that even a foolish person is thought to be wise if they keep silent. Want to look wise? Do what wise people do and choose to think rather than speak.
If you must say something, why not ask a question instead? Ask someone who actually knows something about whatever’s going on. Seek to understand rather than air your own opinions.
3. The world is ending and that’s okay.
Finally, understand that the world is ending. But it’s not because of this latest scandal. The world is going to end, but it was always going to end. Things aren’t going to be okay, but that’s okay. Our God holds truth and justice in His hands. He will make everything right. Your opinion on social media won’t.
The truth is: Often our opinions do more harm than help. We stir up controversy and unintentionally hurt people we love when we choose to speak rather than stay silent. There are times to speak up, but social media most often isn’t that time.
Speak up instead for the poor and oppressed… But do that in the real world. Do it with your money. With your action. With your prayers. That means much more than any pithy opinion on social media ever will.