Basic HTML Version
Necessity Of Doing Our Best
193
The Right Use of the Gift of Speech
The workman for God should make earnest efforts to become
a representative of Christ, discarding all uncomely gestures and
uncouth speech. He should endeavor to use correct language. There
is a large class who are careless in the way they speak, yet by
careful, painstaking attention these may become representatives of
the truth. Every day they should make advancement. They should
not detract from their usefulness and influence by cherishing defects
of manner, tone, or language. Common, cheap expressions should
be replaced by sound, pure words. By constant watchfulness and
earnest discipline the Christian youth may keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from speaking guile.
We should be careful not to give an incorrect pronunciation of
our words. There are men among us who in theory know better
[239]
than to use incorrect language, yet who in practice make frequent
mistakes. The Lord would have us careful to do our best, making
wise use of our faculties and opportunities. He has endowed men
with gifts with which to bless and edify others; it is our duty so to
educate ourselves that we may be fitted for the great work committed
to us....
In reading or in recitation the pronunciation should be clear.
A nasal tone or an ungainly attitude should be at once corrected.
Any lack of distinctness should be marked as defective. Many have
allowed themselves to form the habit of speaking in a thick, indistinct
way, as if their tongue were too large for their mouth. This habit has
greatly hindered their usefulness.
If those who have defects in their manner of utterance will sub-
mit to criticism and correction, they may overcome these defects.
They should perseveringly practice speaking in a low, distinct tone,
exercising the abdominal muscles in deep breathing, and making the
throat the channel of communication. Many speak in a rapid way
and in a high, unnatural key. Such a practice will injure the throat
and lungs. As a result of continual abuse, the weak, inflamed organs
will become diseased, and consumption may result.