| The Way of Victory |
Chapter 4 |
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If we have true wisdom, our words will show it, for “the heart of the wise instructeth his mouth.” Some people talk a great deal and say nothing worth while-nothing that any one cares to remember or would be any better for remembering. Jesus said something very serious about idle words. Idle words are words which are of no use, which have no sense, no wisdom in them, which make no one any happier or better.
They are like chaff. He said that for every idle word we must give account to God. We ought to try to use our speech so as to do good with it. St. Paul said that our words were to be such as would minister grace to those who hear them.
Such gracious words are as a honeycomb. Honey is sweet. So are pleasant words to him who listens to them. Pleasant words are good words. Some people are always saying discouraging things. Whenever you meet them you must listen to discontents and complainings. These are not pleasant words. Some people are fond of repeating idle gossip, saying unpleasant things about others. You never hear them speak a generous word of anyone. They say only critical, unkind things of neighbours and friends. These are not the words that are like a honeycomb. What the wise man means are gentle words, kind words, words of truth. We all need love. Whatever is hard or cruel or unjust or fretful or sharp hurts our hearts. We need tenderness. When one speaks gently his words are pleasant. Words which give true comfort are pleasant to those who are sorrowing. Words which impart instruction or give cheer are pleasant words to all noble spirits.
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