Editorial September 10, 1904 Issue

The Value of Words

We may well question ourselves as to the importance and value of our daily and hourly utterances. What do our words accomplish, either for ourselves or others? Jesus once said, "By thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned." A man's character, his culture, his social standing, his habits of thinking may all be gauged by his words, and they are so gauged by thoughtful people.

The fact that this is generally recognized has led some to use language beyond their means, so to speak, but mere fluency or floweriness of expression can never conceal poverty of thought or shallowness of character. While this is true, none need excuse themselves for speaking badly, since language is but one of the outward forms of thought, and if words express sincerity, simplicity, and purity they can never fail to accomplish some good. Solomon's tribute to the ideal woman: "She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness," should be applicable to all Christian Scientists, for they know that the "law of kindness"—the law of love—gives the true explanation of all words of wisdom.

One of the first lessons in Christian Science is that we must not voice error, and also that we must utter the truth with understanding and conviction in order to overcome error, whether sin, sickness, or any other form of inharmony. Christ illustrated this when he said, "The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life," and his followers should know, even as he did, the power of Truth's power declared.

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