Chapter 2—Design for Communication
Words the Expression of Thought—Our words index the state of
our heart; and whether men talk much or little, their words express the
character of their thoughts. A man’s character may be quite accurately
estimated by the nature of his conversation. Sound, truthful words
have the right ring in them.—
Sons and Daughters of God, 180
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Communication With God and Man—Speech is one of the great
gifts of God. It is the means by which the thoughts of the heart are
communicated. It is with the tongue that we offer prayer and praise
to God. With the tongue we convince and persuade. With the tongue
we comfort and bless, soothing the bruised, wounded soul. With the
tongue we may make known the wonders of the grace of God. With
the tongue also we may utter perverse things, speaking words that
sting like an adder.
The tongue is a little member, but the words it frames have great
power. The Lord declares, “The tongue can no man tame.” It has set
nation against nation, and has caused war and bloodshed. Words have
kindled fires that have been hard to quench. They have also brought
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joy and gladness to many hearts. And when words are spoken because
God says, “Speak unto them My words,” they often cause sorrow unto
repentance.
Of the unsanctified tongue the apostle James writes: “The tongue
is a fire, a world of iniquity; so is the tongue among our members, that
it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and
it is set on fire of hell.” Satan puts into the mind thoughts which the
Christian should never utter. The scornful retort, the bitter, passionate
utterance, the cruel, suspicious charge, are from him. How many
words are spoken that do only harm to those who utter them and to
those who hear! Hard words beat upon the heart, awaking to life its
worst passions. Those who do evil with their tongues, who sow discord
by selfish, jealous words, grieve the Holy Spirit; for they are working
at cross-purposes with God.—
The Review and Herald, May 12, 1910
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