The revelation of Himself that God has given in His Word is for our study. This we may seek to understand. But beyond this we are not to penetrate. . . . None are to indulge in speculation regarding His nature. Here silence is eloquence. The Omniscient One is above discussion. {FLB 40.6}
In regard to the personality and prerogatives of God, where He is, and what He is, this is a subject which we are not to dare to touch. On this theme silence is eloquence. It is those who have no experimental knowledge of God who venture to speculate in regard to Him. Did they know more of Him, they would have less to say about what He is. The one who in the daily life holds closest communion with God, and who has the deepest knowledge of Him, realizes most keenly the utter inability of human beings to explain the Creator. . . . {MM 92.3}
"Those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever;" but "the secret things belong unto the Lord our God." Deuteronomy 29:29. The revelation of Himself that God has given in His word is for our study. This we may seek to understand. But beyond this we are not to penetrate. The highest intellect may tax itself until it is wearied out in conjectures regarding the nature of God; but the effort will be fruitless. This problem has not been given us to solve. No human mind can comprehend God. Let not finite man attempt to interpret Him. Let none indulge in speculation regarding His nature. Here silence is eloquence. The Omniscient One is above discussion. {8T 279.1}
In attempting any description of this love, we feel that we are as infants lisping their first words. Silently we may adore; for silence in this matter is the only eloquence. This love is past all language to describe. It is the mystery of God in the flesh, God in Christ, and divinity in humanity. {CE 77.1}
Men will be tempted to place science above God. But who by searching can find out God? Men may put their own interpretation upon God, but no human mind can comprehend him. This problem has not been given us to solve. Let not finite man attempt to interpret Jehovah. Let none indulge in speculation regarding his nature. Here silence is eloquence. The omniscient One is above discussion. {RH, June 1, 1905 par. 13}
Do Not Discuss God's Personality--Never allow yourself to be drawn into discussion regarding the personality of God. On this subject, silence is eloquence. . . . {11MR 318.4}
My brother, when you are tempted to speak of God, where He is, or what He is, remember that on this point silence is eloquence. Take off your shoes from off your feet, for the ground on which you are placing your careless, unsanctified feet, is holy ground. --Letter 253, 1903, p. 7. (To J. H. Kellogg, Nov. 20, 1903.)
I say, and have ever said, that I will not engage in controversy with any one in regard to the nature and personality of God. Let those who try to describe God know that on such a subject silence is eloquence. Let the Scriptures be read in simple faith, and let each one form his conceptions of God from his inspired word. {SpM 329.2}
I would say to those who hold views contrary to this plain declaration of Christ: Upon such matters silence is eloquence. It is presumption to indulge in suppositions and theories regarding matters that God has not made known to us in His word. We need not enter into speculation regarding our future state. . . . {Mar 369.3}
"It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me"--not through confessionals or priests or popes, but through Me, your Saviour. "Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life." This is the absolute Godhead. The mightiest created intellect cannot comprehend Him; words from the most eloquent tongue fail to describe Him. Silence is eloquence. {7BC 914.1}
The mightiest human being, whatever may be his claim, is not infinite. He cannot understand infinity. Christ plainly stated, "No man knoweth the Father but the Son." A teacher was once endeavouring to present the exaltation of God, when a voice was heard saying, "We cannot as yet understand who He is." The teacher nobly replied, "Were I able fully to set forth God, I should either be a god myself, or God Himself would cease to be God." The mightiest created intellect cannot comprehend God; words from the most eloquent tongue fail to describe Him; in His presence silence is eloquence. {BEcho, May 1, 1899 par. 6}
No science of human invention can find out God. On this subject silence is eloquence. Those who attempt to study human science apart from the Word of God will be taught by him who in the garden of Eden caused the fall of our first parents.{MR760 6.2}
There are some things upon which we must reason, and there are other things that we must not discuss. In regard to God--what He is and where He is--silence is eloquence. When you are tempted to speak of what God is, keep silence, because as surely as you begin to speak of this, you will disparage Him. {1SAT 343.2}
Our ministers must be very careful not to enter into controversy in regard to the personality of God. This is a subject that they are not to touch. It is a mystery, and the enemy will surely lead astray those who enter into it. We know that Christ came in person to reveal God to the world. God is a person and Christ is a person. Christ is spoken of in the Word as "the brightness of His Father's glory, and the express image of His person." {1SAT 343.3}
I was forbidden to talk with Dr. Kellogg on this subject, because it is not a subject to be talked about. And I was instructed that certain sentiments in Living Temple were the Alpha of a long list of deceptive theories. {1SAT 343.4}
I purposed in my heart that no word or act of mine should cause irritation. When others were irritated, I would say, "We are all Christ's little children, members of His family. Let us bring all the sunshine that we can into our home." Do not speak one word that would hurt the feelings of another. When you are tempted to speak or act unadvisedly, look to Jesus, and remember that when the feelings are stirred, silence is eloquence. --Letter 29, 1904, pp. 2, 3. (To J. A. Burden and wife, January 17, 1904.)
There is a battle before each one of us; but as long as we hide self in Christ, we shall not be defeated. When you are provoked, and tempted to make a sharp reply, keep silent. At such times, silence is eloquence. Remember that you are God's property. When circumstances arise that irritate and annoy, conquer your feelings. We need to look constantly to Jesus. If we will walk in the fear of God, he will not fail us. {RH, January 7, 1909 par. 18}
… but let no man try to work the Holy Spirit. And let no words of murmuring be spoken. If you have words of encouragement to say, say them; but if not, keep silent. Silence is often eloquence… {SW, March 6, 1902 par. 1}
Remember that when you are irritated, silence is eloquence. Keep still. The strongest rebuke that you can give to a faultfinder is to return no answer to his criticism. {GCB, April 2, 1903 par. 15}
As satan failed utterly in his attempt to cause Christ to sin, so he will fail of overcoming us, if we will act sensibly, in accordance with the light given in God's Word. Years ago I made up my mind that when the enemy tempted me to speak hastily because I felt that I was treated unjustly and wickedly, I would not open my lips. If I should speak even one word in reply, the enemy would be almost sure to gain the victory. We must learn to keep silent. In silence there is eloquence. When fighting battles with the forces of darkness, let us keep our tongues bridled. Then we shall be victorious. {2SAT 221.2}
Therefore let us be careful of our words. Let not our ministers follow their own impulses in denouncing and exposing the "mysteries of iniquity." Upon these themes silence is eloquence. Many are deceived. Speak the truth in tones and words of love. Let Christ Jesus be exalted. Keep to the affirmative of truth. {20MR 127.2}
There are men who have put out their spiritual eyesight. They can not distinguish between the sacred and the common. Their voice is the loudest when they are in the enemy's service. It will be greatly to their credit to keep still. This is their strength. Silence is their eloquence. It means very much to every man whether he is on the Lord's side of the question or on Satan's side. {PH068 27.2}
Brother Jones, I have a message for you. In many respects you are a weak man. If I were to write out all that has been revealed to me of your weakness, and of the developments of your work that have not been in accordance with the course of a true Christian, the representation would not be pleasing. This may have to be done if you continue to justify yourself in a course of apostasy. Until your mind is cleared of the mist of perplexity, silence is eloquence on your part. {KC 36.3} [This is part of a letter to A.T. Jones as he stumbled into the deceptions of Kellogg]
Silence is Golden
The nature of the Holy Spirit is a mystery. Men cannot explain it, because the Lord has not revealed it to them. Men having fanciful views may bring together passages of Scripture and put a human construction on them, but the acceptance of these views will not strengthen the church. Regarding such mysteries, which are too deep for human understanding, silence is golden. {AA 52.1}
When we can associate together to help one another heavenward, when the conversation is upon divine and heavenly things, then it amounts to something to talk; but when the conversation centers upon self and upon earthly and unimportant matters, silence is golden. Lt 52, 1893. (SD 166.) {2MCP 772.2}
There are many mysteries which I do not seek to understand or to explain; they are too high for me, and too high for you. On some of these points, silence is golden. Piety, devotion, sanctification of soul, body, and spirit--this is essential for us all. "This is life eternal, that they might know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent" [John 17:3]. "This is the will of Him that sent Me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life" [John 6:40]. {14MR 179.3}