Day 7 — A Time to Speak

“…a time to be silent and a time to speak.”

— Ecclesiastes 3:7 (BSB)

Some girls talk a lot. Some girls hardly talk at all. Some girls are loud with their friends and quiet in class. Some girls are brave on the inside but have trouble getting the words out.

Whatever kind of girl you are, your voice matters to God.

King Solomon wrote that there is “a time for everything.” And in the middle of his list, he wrote: “a time to be silent and a time to speak.”

That’s a wise thing to learn. There are times when it’s best to be quiet:

• When you’re tempted to gossip.
• When you’re angry and about to say something mean.
• When someone else needs to be heard.
• When you don’t know what you’re talking about!

But there are also times when it’s important to speak up:

• When someone is being bullied or left out.
• When you know something is wrong.
• When a friend needs encouragement.
• When you need help.
• When someone asks about your faith.
• When you have a good idea to share.

Some girls are told, in one way or another, that it’s better to be quiet. That good girls don’t make a fuss. That their opinions don’t really matter. But that’s not what the Bible says. God has given you a voice, and He wants you to use it well: not to tear down, but to build up, protect and tell the truth.

Using your voice doesn’t mean being loud or bossy. It means being brave enough to say what needs to be said, kindly and at the right time.

This week, you’ll meet girls and women in the Bible who used their voices bravely. And you’ll learn how to speak up, how to say no, and how to ask for help.

Think about it: Is it harder for you to be silent or to speak up? When is a time you wish you had spoken up?

Try this: Look for one “time to speak” today, like encouraging someone, sharing an idea in class or standing up for someone, and use your voice.

Dear God, thank You for giving me a voice. Help me know when it’s time to be quiet and when it’s time to speak. Give me courage to speak up when it matters, and wisdom to use my words well. In Jesus’ name, Amen.