Article May 12, 1934 Issue

Taming the Tongue

DELLA M. WHITNEY

In Ecclesiastes we read, "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: ... a time to keep silence, and a time to speak." These words impressed one reader very forcibly. How often have words been spoken hastily that we would fain recall! In fact, much of the inharmony experienced by us may be traced to the voicing of error. The great value of thoughtful, right speaking has always been recognized. An old adage says, "Count ten before you speak;" and while this may be a helpful thing to do, it does not set a standard for the quality of our thoughts and words. In order to speak constructively, the source of the spoken word, which is true thinking, must be realized.

James says, "The tongue can no man tame." This terse statement implies that the tongue cannot be tamed by human will. We must turn to a higher power for this accomplishment. We need not be discouraged if egotism or self-assertion causes us to stumble at times, for the tongue can be tamed, subdued, and made obedient to Truth in proportion as we understand and maintain man's real, spiritual status.

Christian Science teaches that God, Spirit, is the only creator, and that man, His image and likeness, is spiritual. This leads us to see that real conversation is spiritual, that which declares good. We are admonished in the Bible, "Let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ."

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