Useful Speech

If you would have others listen when you speak, only speak when you have something wise and pointed to say.

Ecclesiastes 10:1 Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour.

Those that babble all the time, it would seem, from the above verse, are just as bad as those that, at most times speak wisely, and only sometimes jest coarsely or talk foolishly. We should always attempt to, as Titus 2 tells us, be sober minded, "In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity."

Richard Henry Dana, in his book Two Years Before the Mast, tells us of a well respected man on his crew, who always spoke wisely. One evening however, this man got himself  just a little drunk, and Dana says no one ever listened to him again.

To finish this short passage; never think that your conduct is not being noticed, for "even a child is known by his doings." You are not too young to be wise. I recall reading of Josephus that, when he was only fourteen, learned men would come to him for advice.

Philippians 1:27 a "Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ:"

May the Lord be with you,
Andrew C. Abbott