Simplicity in Our Speech
109
Christ’s Words Understood—In view of all that lies before the
believer, his piety should be “always abounding.” He should labor
for souls with all his intelligence and powers. Not for eloquence and
honor is he to strive, but for simplicity of life and simplicity of speech.
Christ had no need to explain any word that He made use of. All were
simple, and all were understood by the most simple.—
The Review
and Herald, January 7, 1909
.
A Great Variety of Minds—Human minds vary. The minds of
different education and thought receive different impressions of the
same words, and it is difficult for one mind to give to one of a different
temperament, education, and habits of thought by language exactly
the same idea as that which is clear and distinct in his own mind. Yet
to honest men, right-minded men, he can be so simple and plain as to
convey his meaning for all practical purposes.—
Selected Messages
1:19
.
The Highest Eloquence—You are to be the agent through whom
God will speak to the soul. Precious things will be brought to your
remembrance, and with a heart overflowing with the love of Jesus,
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you will speak words of vital interest and import. Your simplicity
and sincerity will be the highest eloquence, and your words will be
registered in the books of heaven as fit words, which are like apples of
gold in pictures of silver.—
Sons and Daughters of God, 274
.
Light With Every Word—At the Queensland camp meeting in
1898, instruction was given me for our Bible workers. In the visions
of the night, ministers and workers seemed to be in a meeting where
Bible lessons were being given. We said, “We have the Great Teacher
with us today,” and we listened with interest to His words. He said:
“There is a great work before you in this place. You will need to
present truth in its simplicity. Bring the people to the waters of life.
Speak to them the things which most concern their present and eternal
good. Let not your study of the Scriptures be of a cheap or casual
order. In all that you say, know that you have something which is
worthy of the time you take to say it, and of the time of the hearers to
hear. Speak of those things which are essential, those things which
will instruct, bringing light with every word.
“Learn to meet the people where they are. Do not present subjects
that will arouse controversy. Let not your instruction be of a character
to perplex the mind. Do not cause the people to worry over things