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When Silence is Eloquence, October 14
He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth
a matter separateth very friends.
Proverbs 17:9
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The psalmist asks, “Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who
shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh
righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not
with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach
against his neighbour.” When anyone comes to you with a tale about your
neighbor, you should refuse to hear it. You should say to him, “Have
you spoken of this matter to the individual concerned?” ... Tell him he
should obey the Bible rule, and go first to his brother, and tell him his
fault privately, and in love. If the directions of God were carried out, the
floodgates of gossip would be closed.
When your brethren and neighbors come in to see you, talk of the
wonderful love of Jesus. Rejoice in His intercession for lost man. Tell
your friends of the love that you have for their souls, because they are
the purchase of the blood of Christ. God forbid that we should make the
pathway of other weary travelers harder by magnifying their errors, and
by sitting in judgment upon their actions. God help us, that we may speak
words of comfort and hope and courage to cheer the life of the lonely, and
discouraged, and erring.
When you are tempted to speak unadvisedly, be on guard. If some
one else approaches you with words of criticism regarding one of God’s
children, turn a deaf ear to every such word. If you are spoken to harshly,
never retaliate. Utter not a word. When under provocation, remember that
“silence in eloquence.” Silence is the greatest rebuke that you can possibly
give to a faultfinder or one whose temper is irritated.
It should be our aim to bring all the pleasantness possible into our
lives, and to do all the kindness possible to those around us. Kind words
are never lost. Jesus records them as if spoken to Himself. Sow the seeds
of kindness, of love, and of tenderness, and they will blossom and bear
fruit.
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