A scholar was once invited to a social gathering of noted people. "How did you like the company?" some one asked him afterwards. With a smile the wise man answered: "If they had been books, I would not have read them." It is amazing how much nonsense and pure folly comes to light in our conversation. If the loose talk of an evening were recorded verbatim and submitted to us, we would not own it. We think lightly of it, but God attaches considerable importance to what we idly say. "But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as becometh saints; nor filthiness, nor foolish talking, or jesting, which are not befitting; but rather giving of thanks." (Eph. 5:3, 4.) Our talk, especially our unpremeditated, spontaneous talk, is an index to the heart; "for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." Therefore, also, the "idle," unpremeditated words become the criterion of judgment. "For by thy words thou shalt be [48] justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned." (Matt. 12:35-37.) "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt"--not with sugar, nor yet with vinegar and gall. Not flattery, not bitterness, not cynicism; but gracious, helpful, uplifting speech should come forth from our lips. The mouth of the righteous is a wellspring of life.

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