Those who thus represent the truth rear a mighty barrier to the salvation of others. Unless they become transformed, it would be better had they never embraced the truth. Their minds are controlled more by Satan than by the Spirit of God. Brother A B’s wife naturally possesses a kind heart, but she has been molded by her husband. She is a careless talker. Her tongue is frequently set on fire of hell; it is untamable. “In the multitude of words,” says Solomon, “there wanteth not sin.” This is certainly true in her case. She exaggerates and bears false witness and is thus constantly transgressing the commandment of God, while she professes to be a commandment keeper. She does not mean to do wrong, but her heart is not sanctified by the truth. {4T 331.2}

Dem som repræsenterer sandheden på den måde, rejser en mægtig barriere for andres frelse. Hvis de ikke forvandles, var det bedre om de aldrig havde grebet sandheden. Deres tanker styres mere og mere af Satan end af Guds Ånd. Bror A B's hustru har af naturen et venligt hjerte, men hun er blevet formet af sin mand. Hun er en skødesløs taler. Hendes tunge stikker ofte som helvedets ild; den er utæmmelig. »Ved megen tale,« siger Salomon, »undgås ej brøde, klog er den, der vogter sin mund.« Dette passer godt i hendes tilfælde. Hun gør overdrivelser og frembærer falske vidner og overtræder derved hele tiden Guds bud, skønt hun påberåber sig at være (332) lovlydig. Hun mener ikke at hun gør noget forkert, men hendes hjerte er ikke helliget ved sandheden.