Words Like Apples of Gold, October 16

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. Proverbs 25:11.OHC 295.1

Some are seen to come forth from their daily communion with God clothed with the meekness of Christ. Their words ... come forth sweetly from their lips. They scatter seeds of love and kindness all along their path, ... because Christ lives in their heart.^{29SDA Bible Commentary 3:1159.}OHC 295.2

The tongue needs to be educated and disciplined and trained to speak of the glories of heaven, to talk of the matchless love of Jesus.^{30SDA Bible Commentary 3:1146.}OHC 295.3

There are souls who err, and who feel their shame and their folly. They are hungry for words of encouragement. They look upon their mistakes and errors until they are almost driven to desperation. Instead of ... reproving and condemning and taking away the last ray of hope that the Sun of Righteousness sheds into their hearts, let your words fall as healing balm upon the bruised soul. Be not like desolating hail that beats down and destroys the tender hope springing up in the hearts. Leave not the hungry, starving soul in his helplessness to perish because you fail to speak words of tenderness and encouragement.^{31The Review and Herald, August 20, 1895.}OHC 295.4

The most persuasive eloquence is the word that is spoken in love and sympathy. Such words will bring light to confused minds and hope to the discouraged, brightening the prospect before them. The time in which we live calls for vital, sanctified energy; for earnestness, zeal, and the tenderest sympathy and love; for words that will not increase misery, but will inspire faith and hope. We are homeward bound, seeking a better country, even an heavenly. Instead of speaking words which will rankle in the breasts of those that hear, shall we not speak of the love wherewith God hath loved us? Shall we not try to lighten the hearts of those around us by words of Christlike sympathy? ^{32The Review and Herald, February 16, 1897.}OHC 295.5

Those who love Jesus Christ will contemplate His character, meditate upon His words, practice His precepts, and become living missionaries. The words they speak will be like apples of gold in pictures of silver.^{33Letter 2, 1895.}OHC 295.6