The Silence of Wisdom
And [Herod] sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, so that I too may come and worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way.
….And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. Matthew 2:8-9, 12
What makes the wise men wise? We picture them as scholars, poring over ancient texts in a distant land, recognizing the signs that a king beyond all kings has been born. They journey from afar to meet this king, to present him with gifts, and ultimately to worship him.
We might call this trio “book smart.” They had acquired an extremely high degree of what you could learn in a library. But we read in the account of Matthew that the wise men had street smarts, too. In their interaction with King Herod, they demonstrate the life-saving wisdom of silence.
Herod’s reputation as a self-protecting tyrant preceded him. His guests would likely have been on their guard, however warm the Judean king’s welcome might have seemed, or however much they trusted in their own status for protection. Yet they have either the naivete or the audacity to ask him where they can meet the new king of the Jews.
Herod, “troubled” (Matthew 2:3), summons the visitors in secret to see what information he can gain from them, and then instructs them to make his life easier: find this new king, and let Herod know where—so he can worship the child, of course.
The wise men don’t speak in the account; to the contrary, they are specifically described as listening. Listening, no doubt, not only to Herod’s words, but to their meaning. They don’t get into an argument. They don’t appear to make him any promises. They listen, and they leave.
And later, fully convinced of both Jesus’ identity and Herod’s intentions, they opt not to return to the palace.
How can the example of these men, navigating real political and professional intrigue, inform how we interact with those in power—in our workplaces, in our communities, and in the larger world? In their story we are reminded not to be impressed by power, however friendly it may seem. We are reminded to listen to God’s spirit as we evaluate people’s words. And we are emboldened to do what we know is right. In listening, we find wisdom.
Talk to God today about a situation you’re intimidated to navigate. Listen, and ask him for wisdom.
Song: “God With Us” – We Are Messengers
This song is part of our Silent Nights playlist on Spotify.