82
The Voice in Speech and Song
or impure suggestion, will escape the lips of him who is following
Christ. The apostle Paul, writing by the Holy Spirit, says, “Let no
corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth.”
Ephesians 4:29
.
A corrupt communication does not mean only words that are vile.
It means any expression contrary to holy principles and pure and
undefiled religion. It includes impure hints and covert insinuations of
evil. Unless instantly resisted, these lead to great sin.
Upon every family, upon every individual Christian, is laid the
duty of barring the way against corrupt speech. When in the company
[125]
of those who indulge in foolish talk, it is our duty to change the subject
of conversation if possible. By the help of the grace of God we should
quietly drop words or introduce a subject that will turn the conversation
into a profitable channel.—
Christ’s Object Lessons, 337
.
Support of Law and Order—We are not required to defy au-
thorities. Our words, whether spoken or written, should be carefully
considered, lest we place ourselves on record as uttering that which
would make us appear antagonistic to law and order. We are not to
say or do anything that would unnecessarily close up our way. We are
to go forward in Christ’s name, advocating the truths committed to
us.—
The Acts of the Apostles, 69
.
Right Things—Please read the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah.
Great light is given in this chapter. The earnest prayer from the humble,
contrite heart will be heard and answered. “Blessed is the man that
trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as
a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the
river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green;
and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from
yielding fruit.” This we have a right to expect if we cooperate with
God by consecrating ourselves, soul, body, and spirit to His keeping.
No foolish talking or evilspeaking will then be heard. The tongue will
utter right things.—
The Review and Herald, January 25, 1898
.
[126]
Gossip, the Enemy’s Work—How careful we should be to have
our words and actions in harmony with the sacred truths that God has
committed to us! ... When you are associated with one another, be
guarded in your words. Let your conversation be of such a nature that
you will have no need to repent of it.... If a word is dropped that is
detrimental to the character of a friend or brother, never encourage
this evilspeaking; for it is the work of the enemy. Remind the speaker