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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Jun 30, 1904

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 81, No. 26.

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Our Words

By Hattie M. Ball

HATTIE M. BALL
“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” Ps. 19:14.
Sometimes we are apt to think that words are little things, and it matters not how we use them; but the wise man tells us that “death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Prov. 18:21); and “in the multitude of words there wanteth not sin.” Surely it behooves us to so weigh our words that we may speak only those that will tend to life.
Words are used to express our thoughts and feelings, and if our hearts are filled with love to God, our words will be like “apples of gold in pictures of silver;” but if, on the other hand, our hearts are full of malice and hatred, it will be shown in our words and deeds; “for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.” Matt. 12:34, 35. “The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.” Prov. 15:26.
The power of speech is a gift from God, and should always be used to glorify our Maker, and to bring joy and happiness to those we meet. It is the duty of each child of God to improve this talent God has given, so that the words of his mouth will be acceptable to the Lord. “Of all the gifts we have received from God, none is capable of being a greater blessing than this. How important, then, that it be so trained as to be most effective for good.”
The apostle tells us that our lips should not be used for filthy and foolish talking or jesting, which he says “are not convenient” for the Christian, “but rather giving of thanks.” Eph. 5:4. “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” Eph. 4:29. Our words should always be for the upbuilding of the hearers, and this would do away with all evil speaking. This is just what the apostle commands us in Eph. 4:31.
As already stated, if our hearts are full of the love of God, it will be revealed in our words. Our character is shown by the language we use, and God can bless with eternal life only those who have perfected righteous characters. This is the import of the Saviour’s words: “But I say unto you, That 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.” Matt. 12:36, 37.
The apostle James tells us that “if any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body” (James 3:2); and of those who are at last redeemed from the earth and stand on Mount Zion, having the Father’s name in their foreheads, it is said, “And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.” Rev. 14:5.
The young are sometimes inclined to excuse their frivolous speaking by saying that God does not expect them to be old and sedate, but Paul exhorts Timothy, “Let no man despise thy youth: but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity;” so we see this instruction in regard to our words applies to the young as well as to the older members of the Lord’s family.
The prayer of each heart should be, “Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.” “O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall show forth thy praise.”