The Power of Speech: Ellen White's Counsel on Words

Speech is a precious talent entrusted to you by God to be used as a channel for communicating truth and bringing blessing to othersVSS 64.3+2. It is a gift of great value that should be consecrated to His service to increase love for Jesus and reveal His character to the worldVSS 14.3+2.

The Sacred Responsibility of Speech

• A Measure of Character: Your words reveal the treasure of your heart and the spiritual life within youCOL 338.1+1. By your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned Matthew 12:37VSS 64.3.

• An Influence on Self: You are greatly under the influence of your own words; thoughts produce words, but words also react upon thoughts, shaping your actions and habitsVSS 128.3+2.

• Accountability to God: An unseen Watcher hears every word and registers them in the books of heaven1888 278.2+2. Every idle word spoken must be accounted for in the day of judgment Matthew 12:36VSS 64.3+1.

Cultivating Right Habits of Conversation

• Kindness and Sympathy: Use your voice to speak pleasant, sympathetic words that uplift and strengthen those who may be carrying hidden sorrowsChL 21.3+2.

• The Power of Silence: If provoking or harsh words are spoken to you, the best rebuke you can give is to remain silent until you can respond in a calm, pleasant voiceVSS 64.3+2.

• Distinct and Plain Enunciation: The truth should be spoken slowly, distinctly, and with earnest conviction so that every syllable may be understoodVSS 189.2+2.

• Bridling the Tongue: Through the help of Christ, you can learn to bridle the tongue and resist the impulse to speak fretful, impatient, or angry words7BC 936.8+2.

Words to Avoid

• Evilspeaking and Gossip: Malicious gossip, scandal-mongering, and the repetition of vague reports are a violation of God's law and act as a poison to the soulT31 172.1+2.

• Criticism and Fault-finding: Unjust censures and a fault-finding spirit tear others down and bar the way for the Holy Spirit’s workingCCh 248.4+2.

• Spiritual Cannibalism: Slanderous speeches are described as a form of cannibalism, as they seek to tear in pieces and devour the character of othersVSS 145.3+2.

• Harshness in the Home: It is a dangerous use of the talent of speech to be cross, fretful, or disrespectful in the home circle, especially in the presence of childrenGCB April 23, 1901, par. 44+2.

Practical Christian Communication

• Dealing with Errors: If a brother or neighbor is in fault, follow the Bible rule by speaking to them alone in a spirit of meekness and tender love rather than telling others Matthew 18:1515MR 155.2+2.

• Sharing Experience: Speak often of the mercy and loving-kindness of God and share the precious chapters of your personal experience in the Christian lifeVSS 14.3+2.

• Ministering Grace: Your speech should always be with grace, seasoned with salt, so that it may minister grace and knowledge to the hearers Colossians 4:6+1COL 336.4+1.

• Following the Pattern: Christ is your perfect example; He never sinned with His lips, and His language was always simple, clear, and plain19MR 277.1+2.

The right use of the power of speech has to do with every line of Christian work and enters into every interaction of your daily lifeCOL 336.4+1. Therefore, pray like David: "O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall show forth thy praise" Psalms 51:15.