The Power of Silence: A Psalm 15 Reflection on Leadership

Selah!

“LORD, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart.”— Psalm 15:1-2

In the stillness of our contemplative journey, there is profound wisdom to be found in the measured use of words. This truth is echoed in a great insight from Robert Greene’s 48 Laws of Power, specifically Law 4: Always Say Less Than Necessary. When we embrace silence, we mirror the integrity and restraint that Psalm 15 calls us to embody—a leadership marked by purpose, mystery, and strength.

When you speak less:

• You create mystery – In the quiet spaces between words, there is an invitation to deeper understanding. Just as those who dwell on the holy mountain guard their inner lives, mystery draws people in, making them eager to know more.

• You appear more powerful – Proverbs teach us that restraint often reveals a strength of character. The more we speak, the greater the chance we might inadvertently reveal our vulnerabilities.

• You listen more – True power is not in the volume of our words, but in the depth of our listening. By holding our tongues, we open ourselves to truly hear the needs and insights of others.

• You control the conversation – When we leave space for interpretation, we allow others to reflect their own ideas, often perceiving our silence as a sign of wisdom and thoughtful leadership.

This principle—of speaking less to achieve more—is not merely a strategy for influence; it is a reflection of a deeper spiritual truth. Great leaders, from CEOs to politicians, have long understood that silence, or carefully measured words, can be more influential than endless talking. In the spirit of Psalm 15, our words should be as deliberate as our actions, speaking truth from the heart and always reflecting a blameless walk.

Contemplative Questions

• How might embracing silence help you reveal a deeper, more authentic leadership in your daily interactions?

• In what ways can you cultivate the art of listening to foster an environment where truth and integrity flourish?

As we continue our Lenten journey, let us consider the profound impact of saying less than necessary. In a world that often rewards noise and bravado, the quiet strength of thoughtful silence stands as a testament to leadership grounded in integrity and truth. Reflect on these principles as you lead, knowing that each measured word contributes to a legacy of unshaken character.

Selah.

Pastor Renee Bradford

For Further Reading

• The Holy Bible, King James Version. Psalm 15:1-2.

• Robert Greene, 48 Laws of Power. Law 4: Always Say Less Than Necessary.