The Quiet Ones

“For they do not speak peace, but they conceive deceitful words against those who are quiet in the land” (Ps. 35:20).

Hermits should be “those who are quiet in the land.” For they live in solitude and hiddenness. They do what the Apostle Paul said:

“But we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, to aspire to live quietly, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we directed you, so that you may behave properly toward outsiders and be dependent on no one” (1 Thess. 4:10-12).

Lead a Quiet Life

Hermits aspire “to live quietly.” For they have retired from social interactions to dedicate their lives to being with God. And so they “mind” their “own affairs.” They do not get entangled in the affairs of others.

Quiet Ones Beware

But it is the quiet ones that the devil fears the most. They are harder to distract, harder to lead astray by outward means. He must use more cunning tactics. He must get them distracted by their own selfish tendencies, their own lusts and desires.

Quiet ones beware. “Discipline yourselves; keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour” (1 Pet. 5:8).

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Jay N. Forrest

Dr. Jay N Forrest is a Spiritual Teacher of the Anglican Middle Way, writing on Prayer, Meditation, and Mysticism. Jay became a Christian in 1983, attended Bible school, and eventually earned his Doctorate in Ministry. Jay served as a Protestant minister for 27 years, took catechism classes with the Orthodox Church of America, and spent about a decade practicing Buddhism. In 2005, Jay was baptized and confirmed into the Catholic Church, but has since joined the Episcopal Church.

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