Raising our voices can be a sign that something good is happening. But it can also result from an unpleasant experience. A sports fan loudly cheers when his team scores, but also harshly scolds his team’s mistakes. Crowds scream allegiance to their favorite personalities and performers, but loudly rebuke those that they disagree with. We might raise our voices to hail a taxi in the city or to signal to a friend far away.
So raising our voices is socially acceptable, in many places. However, we look down on people who loudly berate a retail or restaurant worker. Loud voices in hospitals are frowned upon. We dislike high volumes from our close neighbors and those who disagree with us.
You may not know this, but the Bible actually approves of loud voices. Psalm 66:1-2 says, “Shout for joy to God, all the earth; sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise!” So the next time you feel like shouting, go ahead and give it your best shot. Only make your words be praises to God. You might want to be a little careful where you shout praises, like not in a hospital zone. But let the praises be raised. God is certainly worthy of our praise.
Reluctant Retiree 