“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver." By this striking simile the writer of the book of Proverbs stressed the value of wise and timely speech. Numerous examples may be found in the Bible of words so perfectly timed and fitted to the situation that they bear the imprint of divine inspiration. David's reply to the challenge of Goliath may be cited in this connection, and above all, Christ Jesus' pure teachings, and the unhesitating and conclusive answers he gave to his critics. There are also instances of loose and unguarded speech, such as Peter's denial of his Master. So prevalent seemed the latter tendency that the Apostle James uttered warnings against that "unruly evil," the tongue.
The possibilities for good and evil, "blessing and cursing," which lie in the spoken word are portrayed in the Bible and confirmed in human experience. We have all felt the elation and the unhappiness resulting from human speech. We have suffered from our own oral blunders and the harmful influence of another's words. Human contacts may snare us into expressions of egotism, indiscretion, and unkindness, or they may unfold a path leading into fair, generous, and spiritually refreshing intercourse. The choice lies within our own thinking.
For the student of Christian Science this choice should be clear. The basic truths of our religion afford an infallible standard, applicable to all phases of human behavior. It is the code of conduct for one child of God dealing with another, a code formulated by divine Love. Our habits of conversation need to be formed and reformed by the application of this code. Mary Baker Eddy admonishes (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 392,)"Stand porter at the door of thought." We have so often quoted the old proverb, "Actions speak louder than words," that we are prone to overlook the fact that words are often a potent form of action. To maintain silence when we should uphold our convictions, to criticize and condemn unjustly, or even to utter one inaccurate statement, may yield consequences more disastrous than deeds. On the other hand, as Mrs. Eddy points out (ibid., p. 225), "A few immortal sentences, breathing the omnipotence of divine justice, have been potent to break despotic fetters and abolish the whipping-post and slave market."
