Our Words by Bertha Oss

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park, Washington, D. C. · Sep 26, 1912

Our Words

By Bertha Oss

IN the third chapter of James the tongue is described as a little member, but a powerful instrument of much good and much harm. "If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man." Verse 2. In the sermon on the mount, Jesus said, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." Matt. 5:48. We are to strive for perfection, therefore we should be very careful of our words. "Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom." James 3:13. "But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned." Matt. 12:36, 37. How very important, then, that we should guard our words!

"Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." Matt. 12:34; Luke 6:45. Surely we need to pray, as did David, "Create in me a clean heart, O God." "Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips." Ps. 51:10; 141:3. Let us follow in the steps of our Example, in whose mouth was found no guile. 1 Peter 2:21, 22.

Burke, S. Dak.