The Silence of the Good

Pastor Flávio Macieira — 2025

This reflection is part of the series "The Tireless Voice of Justice," inspired by themes from the book "The Desert Therapy."

Evil does not need an army to triumph; it only needs the silent complicity of those who know what is right.

If Ahab's covetousness was the seed of injustice, Jezebel's cunning was its architect. Evil in its most dangerous form is rarely an impulsive act; it is planned, calculated, and to succeed, it requires the cooperation—or the silence—of good people. The story of Naboth's death is a case study in how systems can be corrupted to serve evil.

“So his wife Jezebel said to him, ‘[...] I’ll get you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.’ So she wrote letters in Ahab’s name, placed his seal on them, and sent them to the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth’s city with him. In those letters she wrote: ‘Proclaim a day of fasting and seat Naboth in a prominent place among the people. But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have them bring charges that he has cursed both God and the king. Then take him out and stone him to death.’ So the elders and nobles of Naboth’s city did as Jezebel directed in the letters she had written to them.” (1 Kings 21:7-11, NLT)

Observe the engineering of wickedness. Jezebel uses legitimate authority (the king's seal), the appearance of piety (a fast), the legal system (witnesses, albeit false ones), and public opinion to execute her plan. She doesn't get her own hands dirty. She creates a narrative, a "fake news" of the time, so that the community itself commits the atrocity.

The most chilling detail, however, is verse 11: "So the elders and nobles of Naboth’s city did as Jezebel directed." They knew Naboth was innocent. They were the pillars of the community, the men who were supposed to uphold justice. But faced with an order from power, they chose convenience over conscience. They remained silent. And their silence killed an innocent man.

This confronts us uncomfortably. It's easy to condemn Jezebel. It's harder to look in the mirror and ask: where have we been silent? In a work meeting where an unethical decision is made? In a family conversation where gossip and slander prevail? In the face of social injustice in our community, where we prefer to "not get involved"?

Martin Luther King Jr. said, "History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people." Neutrality in the face of injustice does not exist. Silence endorses the oppressor and abandons the oppressed. As Christians, we are called to be salt and light, agents of preservation and truth. To be silent is to fail in our most basic mission.

Jezebel's architecture of injustice only worked because the "bricks"—the elders and nobles—consented to be used. May God give us the courage to be the stone in the path of this construction, the voice that refuses to consent to evil, no matter the cost.

Your Next Step of Faith

Think of a recent situation where you saw an injustice (small or large) and remained silent. Confess this to God and ask Him for a second chance to act with courage, to be a voice for truth at the next opportunity.

The Soul's Mirror

• Has the fear of others' opinions or of retaliation ever led you to be silent in the face of what was wrong?

• Can you identify "systems" or "narratives" around you that seem fair on the outside but promote injustice?

• How can we, as a church, be more active in denouncing injustice instead of being silent accomplices?

Prayer

Lord of Justice, forgive us for the times our silence has allowed evil to prosper. Break in us the fear that paralyzes us and the apathy that makes us complicit. Give us hearts that are outraged by injustice and a courageous voice to defend the truth, even when it is unpopular. Use us to be Your agents of justice and righteousness in this world. In Jesus' name, amen.

In the face of injustice, silence is never neutral.

Did you enjoy this reflection? Help us spread this hope further! If this message touched your heart, you can become a partner in our mission. Your prayers are our greatest support, and every share with friends and family helps this seed reach new soil. The reflection you just read explores one of the crucial moments in the 40-day journey of our book, "The Desert Therapy."

For a complete immersion into this and other topics, we invite you to acquire our publications. Each book is an investment in your journey and a support that allows us to continue this work.

Deepen your studies at: https://www.propagandoapalavra.com.br/ And, of course, we'd love to hear from you. Leave your comment below!