Speak Well of Others

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 13, 1865

Speak Well of Others.

If the disposition to speak well of others were universally prevalent, the world would become a perfect paradise. The opposite disposition is the Pandora-box, which, when opened, fills every neighborhood with pain and sorrow. How much happiness is interrupted and destroyed! Envy, jealousy, the malignant spirit of evil, when they find vent by the lips, go forth on their mission, like foul fiends, to blast the reputation and peace of others. Every one has his imperfections, and in the conduct of the best there will be occasional faults, which might seem to justify animadversion. It is a good rule, however, when there is occasion for fault finding, to do it privately to the erring one. This may prove salutary. It is a proof of interest in the individual, which will generally be taken kindly, if the manner of doing it is not offensive. The common and unchristian rule, on the contrary, is to proclaim the failings of others to all but themselves. This is unchristian and shows a despicable heart.—Sel.