Chapter 71—Speech
The Voice Is a Talent—The voice is an entrusted talent, and it
should be used to help and encourage and strengthen our fellow men.
If parents will love God and keep the way of the Lord to do justice and
judgment, their language will not savor of sickly sentimentalism. It
will be of a sound, pure, edifying character. Whether they are at home
or abroad, their words will be well chosen. They will descend to no
cheapness
Every Word Has an Influence—Every word spoken by fathers
and mothers has its influence over the children, for good or for evil.
If the parents speak passionately, if they show the spirit shown by the
children of this world, God counts them as the children of this world,
not as His sons and daughters
A word spoken in due season may be as good seed in youthful
minds and may result in leading little feet in the right path. But a
wrong word may lead their feet in the path of ruin
Angels hear the words that are spoken in the home. Therefore,
never scold; but let the influence of your words be such that it will
ascend to heaven as fragrant incense
Parents should keep the atmosphere of the home pure and fragrant
with kind words, with tender sympathy and love; but at the same time
they are to be firm and unyielding in principle. If you are firm with
your children, they may think that you do not love them. This you may
expect, but never manifest harshness. Justice and mercy must clasp
hands; there must be no wavering or impulsive movements
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Language to Be an Outward Expression of Inward Grace—
The chief requisite of language is that it be pure and kind and true—
1
Manuscript 36, 1899
.
2
Manuscript 100, 1902
.
3
The Review and Herald, June 24, 1890
.
4
Letter 10, 1912
.
5
The Review and Herald, March 30, 1897
.
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