1912 Watch Tower - A2Z.org

SLANDER A FACTOR IN ANARCHYA slander is anything uttered with the intention ofinjury to another, whether the statement be true or false.Both the Law of God and the laws of men agree thatsuch injury is wrong. True, many slanderers are neverprosecuted; true that even newspapers have times withoutnumber escaped heavy damages for libelous slander,on the plea that they published the defamation as newswhich properly belonged to the people. Public menconsider it good policy to let ordinary slander go unnoticed,realizing that many of the false statements madeby the opposition press will properly be credited asfalsehood.The effect of public slander is very injurious, andbrings about a gradual growth of slander among thepeople. This condition is sure to work evil to themselvesand to their institutions. Government officials and othermen thus slandered lose their influence for good over thelower classes, who are thus being helped along day byday to greater lawlessness, and are being thus preparedfor the period of anarchy which the Scriptures tell us isnear.EVIL SPEAKING INDICATIVE OF UNGODLINESSEvil speaking includes all defamatory or injuriousremarks against others--words of hatred, malice, envyor strife--everything which would injure another to anydegree. Even an uncomplimentary remark respectinganother, injuring his reputation, is evil speaking, althoughthe uncomplimentary statement be true.All of our words are taken by the Lord as an index ofthe heart. If our words are flippant, frivolous, unkind,unthankful, rebellious or disloyal, He judges the heartaccordingly, on the principle that "Out of the abundanceof the heart the mouth speaketh." (Matt. 12:34.) Thusin all the varied circumstances of daily life, our wordsare continually bearing testimony before God of thecondition of our hearts.Godlikeness certainly cannot include any harmfulgossip, any unclean or unholy conversation, any disloyalor rebellious words. Let all such things be put far awayfrom those who name the name of Christ in sincerityand in truth.The tongue is the most powerful member of the humanbody. As the Scriptures say, with it we may praiseGod or injure men. Not only may we injure those withinreach of our tongue, but our words might extend theirinfluence throughout the world and from generation togeneration. Our tongues are the most wonderful powerthat God has given us. It has been said that all of life'sexperiences deepen when presented in language. Whenuttered, thoughts impress themselves deeply upon themind. We should certainly take heed to our tongues.--