p. 3 | Diplomacy | AdventAI

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Aug 3, 1905

Diplomacy

ONE of the definitions of this word is “artful management with a view of securing advantages.” In contrast with the diplomat is the straightforward man who is “free from concealment, dissimulation, reserve, or disguise.” The diplomat often uses language to conceal his thoughts rather than to express them. He will assume a frankness which is not genuine, and express beautiful sentiments which he does not feel, if by so doing he can gain an advantage. Diplomacy is often simply a polite word for dishonesty. The diplomatic habit often degenerates into unvarnished lying. It would shock us to think of Jesus as a diplomat, seeking by quibbles and perversions to secure an advantage over those with whom he was dealing. There is no place for diplomacy in the religion of Jesus. “I know also, my God, that thou . . . hast pleasure in uprightness.”