"The Job Of Education Is Not Just To Impart Knowledge, But Also To Create Refinement"

As I was reading this latest article effort by my good friend, Ramnath Subramanian, my eyes quickly focused on the above statement in his good article.

According to this dictionary, the word "refinement" means, "fineness or elegance of feeling, taste, manners, language, etc" (see #1). In the last three generations, the language spoken in our godless society has gone from rude to crude. It's obvious to this writer, that there is no shame (see here) in people using words that would make a sailor blush, which indicates a loss of respect for themselves and others.

In Proverbs 25:11-12, the Proverb writer describes using the power of words appropriately (to fit the occasion) as: "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear." The sense of these passages, is that we need to use words not only to fit the occasion, but words that consist of a lovely ornamentation. In other words, one who is able to listen to the words of a wise reprover, has received a beautiful present. The words we use, as we interact with people, determines the degree of our refinement, or the lack thereof.

Beloved, watching the words we use, is extremely important, for if we use coarse language (Ephesians 5:4), we bring dishonor to the name of Christ. We need to ask ourselves, "How are we using our tongue?" Are we using it in a rude and crude way, or a way that brings refinement?

The ending words that Ram presents in his article, says it all: "Of silver speech it must be said that the silver belongs to both its content and its style. The well and fully educated man knows that the architecture of his bearing and being is colored just as much by his mind as with the things he holds in his hand. The words we write and speak must carry a light, and new light, if we are to make a mark in the world."

Indeed they do, Ram, indeed they do (see the contrast in Matthew 12:36-37 - see Coffman).

Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets

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