Chapter 10—Misuse of the Gift
Influence of Harsh Words—Do you dislike to have harsh words
spoken to you? Remember that when you speak such words others
feel the sting. Let your praiseworthy example, your peaceable words
and unselfish deeds, be a savor of life unto life.
The talent of speech was given to be used for the benefit of all.
Pleasant, cheery words cost no more than unpleasant, moody words.
Sharp words wound and bruise the soul. In this life everyone has
difficulties with which to wrestle. Everyone meets with grievances and
disappointments. Shall we not bring sunshine instead of gloom into
the lives of those with whom we come in contact? Shall we not speak
words that will help and bless? They will be just as much a blessing to
us as to those to whom they are spoken.—
Manuscript 93, 1901
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Provoking Words—Speech is a precious talent. You can speak
fretfully, or you can speak pleasantly. Remember that it will not
hurt your influence to speak pleasantly, but that it will sweeten your
influence. If provoking words are spoken to you, do not utter a word.
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The best rebuke you can give the one who has uttered the provoking
word is to keep silent until you can speak in a calm, pleasant voice.—
The Review and Herald, July 6, 1905
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Idle Words—With the talent of speech we are to communicate the
truth as we have opportunity. It should ever be used in God’s service.
But this talent is grievously abused. Words are spoken that do great
harm. Christ declared, “Every idle word that men shall speak, they
shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words
thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.”—
The Review and Herald, September 12, 1899
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Useless, Meaningless Chit-Chat—The talent of speech is a gift
of God, and when we hear so much useless, meaningless chit-chat,
we may be assured that those who thus use this precious gift are not
Christians. They are not abiding in Christ, nor is Christ abiding in
them. Every tree is known by its fruits. “A good man out of the good
treasure of the heart, bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out
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