OUR CONVERSATION by Mrs. Edna Merrell

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jul 16, 1894

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 20, No. 36.

OUR CONVERSATION.

By Mrs. Edna Merrell

BY MRS. EDNA MERRELL.

"THE lips of the righteous know what is acceptable." "The tongue of the just is as pure silver." "She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness." Solomon has wisely said that "death and life are in the power of the tongue." Our everyday experience gives us proof of this power, either for good or for evil. Then with what diligence should we watch our words, that we may make the best use of them! One author has truly said:— "Oh, many a shaft at random sent Finds mark the archer little meant, And many a word at random spoken May soothe or wound a heart that's broken!"

One kind word at the right time has been known to "pluck a brand from the burning," to save a soul from death, while unkind words have sent many souls to perdition. The influence of our words cannot be overestimated. "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver." "A soft answer turneth away wrath; but grievous words stir up anger." And again, "There is that speaketh like the piercing of a sword."

We read in Prov. 15: 4, "A wholesome tongue is a tree of life," which shows the power there is in pure words, even power to give life. "He that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile." "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth."

To those who follow these words of instruction from the word of God, the Lord has made some precious promises. In Ps. 50: 23 we read, "To him that ordereth his conversation aright will I show the salvation of God." Again he says, "Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue, keepeth his soul from troubles." Prov. 21: 23. And these words are applied to the youth as well as to the older. Says Paul to 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." James says, "If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain" (James 1: 26); but "if any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body" (James 3: 2).

It is natural for us to judge of a person's character by his words, for "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." Our conversation from day to day is a sure index to our heart. If our heart is right, if our life is hid with Christ in God, our conversation will be pure, and we will exert an influence for good over all with whom we associate. We will have a closer connection with the True Vine, partaking of his righteous character, until we stand before him without spot.

But from the evil heart come evil words, and the more one indulges in such conversation, the farther he is led from Christ, and the nearer to Satan, who uses every device to keep his subjects under control. We read that Lot was vexed from day to day by the filthy conversation of the Sodomites. 2 Peter 2: 7, 8. It had its influence upon him, so different from the pure influence he was under when with Abraham, the friend of God. This shows how careful we should be in choosing our associates; and, as much as we can, be with those who can help to raise our minds to a higher plane, and thus, when situated as Lot was, use our influence, as much as is in our power, to elevate other minds by our pure conversation. "For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned." Matt. 12: 37. We will have to render an account unto God of every idle word in the great judgment day. How few realize this as they should! Let us every day ask God to set a watch over the door of our mouth, that our lips speak only to his praise. Then let us grasp the promises, grow strong in the Lord and in the "power of his might," and the "peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." And let our daily prayer be, "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.

Amboy, Minn.