EVIL SPEAKING by Sarah M. Saunders

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 23, 1900

EVIL SPEAKING.

By Sarah M. Saunders

SARAH M. SAUNDERS.

(Battle Creek, Mich.)

The habit of speaking evil is one that has become alarmingly prevalent in nearly all classes of society, and it is a habit that is very closely allied to sins of a darker hue.

Generally speaking, it is understood that evil speaking means speaking reproachfully or sarcastically of our neighbors and associates, and, sometimes, of those we call our friends. There is a kind of evil speaking which is the fruit of jealousy, and which is dangerous, as it sometimes proves disastrous to the reputation and happiness of innocent persons. There are always some who are ready and willing to hear and believe evil reports, however unreasonable the charge or false the accuser, and often those whose character and life are above reproach are befouled and maligned by an unguarded word thoughtlessly spoken.

But there is another manner of evil speaking to which we are all more or less addicted, and which is condemned by the words of Holy Writ. This is clearly set forth in the words of the apostle when he says, “Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.” Eph. 5: 4. What an easy matter it is, and how prone we are, we who should be a light to the world, so far to forget our position before God and the world, our profession of holiness unto the Lord, as to engage in light and frivolous conversation, jesting, and even nonsensical expressions. Must we not all plead guilty? Often, when we are in company with others who have not received present truth, there are those who are watching and weighing our every act, gesture, and word; and if we permit ourselves to be led into unbecoming conversation, we may lose the respect of some whom we are very anxious to gain. We may possibly be the cause of some one’s drifting away into infidelity. God forbid that any of us should be so unfortunate as to have this laid to our charge! “Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.” Ps. 141: 3.

“Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.” Ps. 34: 13. “For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile.” 1 Peter 3: 10.