THERE is an adage that goes “silence is golden”, but is it always so?
Certainly, silence is golden at times.
An ancient proverb goes: “The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; the one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.”
Surely, that kind of silence is the control of one’s tongue, especially when it refers to speaking evil?
Perhaps, all of us should check ourselves.
How “golden” it would be if we could forever refrain from whispering, gossiping, back-biting, lying and spreading slander.
“Silence is golden” also applies when one is restrained and careful in one’s speech.
And, there are times when one can say more by being silent!
Too often, we may be guilty of saying too much.
The multiplicity of words, often empty, vain, deceptive and damaging, is much in evidence today.
There are other times, however, when silence is not “golden”.
It may be pure selfishness or servility, or just plain cowardice in such instances.
Often, those who should speak out and warn of danger or wrongdoing remain silent because they want to be in the “good books” and are scared of the repercussions, for fear that they might hurt someone’s feelings.
Such silence is far from golden. We should take cognisance of the fact that one day, we will all have to account for our “sins”, not only of commission, but also omission.
It is everyone’s obligation, in particular, those who are responsible for others, to set an example, and to patiently and diligently mentor and correct those under their care to be truthful and honest, and to speak up against what is wrong.
When the wrong is winked at, goes unchallenged or is not exposed for what it is, the silence of those who should speak out is nothing but a deliberate disavowal of their responsibilities and betrayal of the trust placed in them by others.
Serious issues face humanity today, and the danger of division and regression is apparent in many spheres.
There is no place for “fence straddlers” or compromisers.
Individually, we have an obligation to help, build and encourage one another.
We have to make a choice. Either we actively stand up and speak up against what is not right, or we passively condone it.
No person, anywhere, with integrity and self-respect can remain silent.
RUEBEN DUDLEY,
Petaling Jaya, Selangor