February 26

A wholesome tongue is a tree of life. — PROV. XV. 4.

But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. — MAIT. xii. 36, 37.

HOW tenderly and tragically impressive are these words of Jesus! They surely do not come under the idle category. We are amazed at the minuteness of the divine inspection. Does God care for the divisions and subdivisions of things in this world?

The Old Testament declares that "the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord," and the New Testament adds that the "hairs of your head are all numbered." It is not strange, then, that words should be taken into the scale of judgment, — for words are the betrayal of nationality even here. With the eyes shut we can classify talkers. So too are words the betrayal of companionship. Watchful parents quickly trace the friendships of their children by the words they use; and words also indicate the thoughts and inward character. Hot, hasty words reveal the spirit's life: so idle words, betraying a careless, indolent spirit, become the evidence of a just condemnation at the great assize. Idle words caught from the lips and repeated, penned, and printed give to strangers their estimate of their author. Words are more than air vibrations. They build up and demolish, strengthen and discourage, drive to despair and lead to Christ.

Oh, what need of pardon, of blotting out the records in atoning blood, when we remember that all the idle words have been registered! Not by what another has said of us, but by our own words shall we be justified or condemned.

Samuel H. Virgin

Take my lips, and let them be Filled with messages from thee.

F. R. HAVERGAL.