Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7 — To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
… ; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

Myra suggested this topic, and it really resonated with me. In a world where new outrages against morality pop up every day, and Christianity is increasingly under attack, when should we speak, and when should we keep silence?
German Pastor Martin Niemöller spoke about his imprisonment in a nazi prison camp:

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

It seems pretty clear, doesn’t it. When there is wrong, it’s time to speak up. But it’s not so simple. Consider these verses from Proverbs:

In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise. The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth. (Proverbs 10:19-20)

To me that says we need to exercise discretion. I can’t help thinking that the advent of social media — things like Twitter, Facebook and Google+ — gives far too many people the opportunity to speak up when they should pipe down. There’s another proverb that it’s good to keep in mind:

Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding. (Proverbs 17:28)

So we need to speak up in the face of oppression — but we need to exercise discretion. How do we find the balance? One more passage from Proverbs perhaps holds the answer:

Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy. (Proverbs 31:8-9)

There is a time to speak up — but it’s not when we are personally aggravated or offended.
The time to speak up is when there is somebody who can’t speak up for themselves, especially when they are in desperate danger.
The time to speak up is when there is somebody who is unable to fend for themselves. “Such as are appointed to destruction” is literally translated as “children of bereavement.” The idea either “those destined to be bereaved of life or goods” or “bereaved or fatherless children.” Speak up for orphans!
We are to speak up for the poor and needy.
So there you have it. The time to speak up is not when we’re offended. It’s when the defenseless need a voice. Speak up!