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The Voice in Speech and Song
enough of themselves and need no help in this direction. Flattering
your ministers is out of place. It perverts the mind and does not lead to
meekness and humility; yet men and women love to be praised, and it
is too frequently the case that ministers love it. Their vanity is gratified
by it, but it has proved a curse to many. Reproof is more to be prized
than flattery.—
Testimonies for the Church 2:338
.
Unrealized Hopes—Flattering words are sweet to the unconse-
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crated heart, and some who think they are standing firm, are dazed,
allured, and intoxicated with hopes that will never be realized. A great
wrong has been done in this way. All should think and speak modestly
of their own capabilities, and should be careful not to encourage pride
and self-esteem in others.—
Testimonies for the Church 5:478
.
Commendation a Danger—There are men who are ever talking
and gossiping and bearing false witness, who sow the seeds of discord
and engender strife. Heaven looks upon this class as Satan’s most
efficient servants. But the man who is injured is in a far less dangerous
position than when fawned upon and extolled for a few of his efforts
which appear successful. The commendation of apparent friends is
more dangerous than reproach.
Every man who praises himself brushes the luster from his best
efforts. A truly noble character will not stoop to resent the false accusa-
tions of enemies; every word spoken falls harmless, for it strengthens
that which it cannot overthrow.—
Testimonies for the Church 4:607
.
Truth in the Heart, Truth on the Lips—How careful we should
be, that our words and actions are all in harmony with the sacred truth
that God has committed to us! ... When you are associated together,
be guarded in your words. Let your conversation be of such a nature
that you will have no need of repentance.... If the love of the truth is
in your heart, you will talk of the truth. You will talk of the blessed
hope that you have in Jesus. If you have love in your heart, you will
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seek to establish and build up your brother in the most holy faith. If
a word is dropped that is detrimental to the character of your friend
or brother, do not encourage this evilspeaking. It is the work of the
enemy. Kindly remind the speaker that the Word of God forbids that
kind of conversation.—
The Review and Herald, June 5, 1888
.
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