(1) It was the practice of the saints of old. Elijah and Elisha went on talking good discourse until the chariot of heaven came to part them, 2 Kings 2:11. The primitive Christians, into whatever company they came, were speaking of a glorious Kingdom they expected, insomuch that some thought that thy were ambitious of worldly honour; which made Justin Martyr apologise for them, that the Kingdom they looked for was not of this world, but a Kingdom of Christ in heaven.
(2) We are bid to "Redeem the time," Eph. 5:16. The poets painted time with wings, because it flies so fast. Time lost had needed be redeemed; and is there any better way to redeem time, that to improve it in trading for heaven, and speaking of God and our souls?
(3) Jesus Christ has set us a pattern, for his words were perfumed with holiness. In all companies He set good discourse on foot. When He sat at Jacob's well He fell into an heavenly conversation with the woman of Samaria about the water of life, John 4:14. No sooner was Christ risen from the grave than he was "speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God," Acts 1:3. The more spiritual we are in our speeches, the more we resemble Christ: should not the members be like the head? Christ will not be our Saviour unless we make him our pattern.
(4) Good discourse, would prevent sinful discourse. Much sin passes in ordinary talk, as gravel and mud pass along with the water. Good discourse would prevent evil, as labour prevents idleness.
(5) We may guess at men's hearts by their common discourse. Words are the looking glass of the mind. As you may judge a face by the glass, whether it be fair or foul, so by the words we may judge of the heart. A lascivious tongue shows a lustful heart, an earthly tongue a covetous heart, a gracious tongue a gracious heart. The Ephraimites were known by their pronunciation, saying "Sibboleth" for "Shibboleth," Judges 12:6. So by the manner of our speech we may be known who we belong to.
(6) Good discourse is beneficial. "How forcible are right words," says Job, Job 6:23. A word spoken in season may make such a powerful impression upon another's heart as may do him good all his life. One single coal is apt to die, but many coals put together keep in the heat. Christians by their heavenly talk do blow upon one another's grace into flame. A Christian by divine discourse may enlighten another when he is ignorant, warm him when he is frozen, comfort him when he is sad, confirm him when he is wavering. A good life adorns religion, a good tongue propagates it.
(7) We must be accountable to God for our speeches. Words are judged light, but they weigh heavy in God's balance. "For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned," Matt.12:37. If our words have been seasoned with grace, then the acquitting sentence is likely to go on our side.
(8) Good discourse will be a means to bring Christ into our company. While the two disciples were conferring about the death and sufferings of Christ, Jesus Christ Himself came among them. "While they communed together, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them," Like 24:15. When bad discourse is set on foot Satan draws near, and makes one of the company; but when good discourse is promoted, Jesus Christ draws near.
