Being and Doing – 26 May – Slander

WORSE still, as not only careless, but wicked, is the slander which gossips away a character in an after. noon, and runs lightly over a whole series of acquaintances, leaving a drop of poison on them all, some suspicion, or some ominous silence –  ‘Have you not heard?’ – ‘No one would believe it, but…!’ and then silence;  while the shake of the head, or the shrug of the shoulders, finishes the sentence with a mute meaning worse than words.   Do you ever think of the irrevocable nature of speech?   The things you say are often said for ever.   You may find, years after your light word was spoken, that it has made a whole life unhappy, or ruined the peace of a household.   It was well said by St. James, ‘ If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, that man’s religion is vain.’

STOPFORD BROOKE

BEWARE of that bane of social life, evil speaking.   Pray for the spirit of love, which is the spirit of truth-for you can never know anyone without sympathy or love, and take care how you speak of those you have not yet learned to love.   Never talk of others’ faults, without necessity, and avoid those who do.

IF there is any person to whom you feel dislike, that is the person of whom you ought never to speak.

R. CECIL

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These quotes are from ‘Being and Doing’ A selection of helpful thoughts from various authors arranged for daily reading.

Collected by Constance M Whishaw and first published in 1908 for members of the Being and Doing Guild whose object is to do all they can for the relief of suffering and misery.

Most of the writers are 19th Century Christians from Britain and Europe who were committed to living their faith through deeds as well as words – Being AND Doing.

For many years these words have kept me company and encouraged me on the journey of faith.  I hope they will encourage others also.