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The Voice in Speech and Song
of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.” What a flood of evil and
rubbish flows forth because of the talent of speech. And how many are
denying Christ by their speech! Instead of making a good confession
of Christ by their manner of conversation they say, “I know not the
Man.” It is easy enough to have a form of godliness; but to make a
whole-sided confession of our faith in Christ, means that our words,
and dress, and spirit shall testify to the fact.—Lt 19, 1897.
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Frivolous Conversation—Cultivate the precious gift of speech
as an agency entrusted to you by God. Do not introduce frivolous,
nonsensical subjects of conversation. Talk so that minds not of our faith
will receive the impression that sound speech and sound principles
have been brought into your education. “Ye are the light of the world.”
Who are thus honored? All who have improved their opportunities
to learn how to serve the Lord in the gift of speech.—
Manuscript 93,
1901
.
Jesting and Joking—It is the duty of the youth to encourage
sobriety. Lightness, jesting, and joking will result in barrenness of
soul and the loss of the favor of God. Many of you do not exert a bad
influence upon others, and thus feel in a measure satisfied; but do you
exert an influence for good? Do you seek in your conversation and acts
to lead others to the Saviour, or, if they profess Christ, to lead them to
a closer walk with Him?—
Testimonies for the Church 2:236, 237
.
Cheap Talk—My young friends, will you begin your Christian
life as those whose hearts are warmed with the love of Jesus? You
will never know how much good you may do by speaking tenderly
sensible, serious words regarding their souls’ salvation to those who
do not claim to be children of God. On the other hand, you may
never know until the judgment how many opportunities to be Christ’s
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witnesses you have left unimproved. You may never know in this
world the mischief you have done to some soul by your little acts of
frivolity, your cheap talk, your levity, which was wholly inconsistent
with your holy faith.—
Messages to Young People, 201
.
Scathing Remarks—An indwelling Saviour is revealed by the
words. But the Holy Spirit does not abide in the heart of him who is
peevish if others do not agree with his ideas and plans. From the lips
of such a man there come scathing remarks, which grieve the Spirit
away, and develop attributes that are satanic rather than divine. The
Lord desires those connected with His work to speak at all times with