Silence is Golden
Question
Ecclesiastical 1:9 declares what has been will be again; and there is no new thing under the sun. We are living in turbulent times filled with lust, greed, gluttony, and unimaginable violence. Could this be the “evil time spoken of in Amos 5:13 ? Therefore, the “prudent” shall keep “silence” in that time; for it is an ” evil time.”
Who would be considered prudent today? Why are they warned to keep quiet? Your insight is invaluable.
Answers
Rashi explains that the prudent keep silent when they witness God’s punishment against the wicked. A wise person will remain quiet and not question the justice of what is happening because they understand that those being punished have brought their punishment on themselves through their own actions.
Are we in such an era right now? As you write, we live in a generation that is fueled by lust, greed, gluttony and violence. Is this the moment to be silent? I do not know. Possibly it is. But it is also possible that this might be the time to stand up and announce clearly to all that we follow the Word of God – and nothing else is of any significance.
Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team