Against the persecution of a tyrant the godly have no remedy but prayer.
John CalvinRead
I consider looseness with words no less of a defect than looseness of the bowels.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of precision and care in our use of language.
John Calvin compares imprecision in language to a physical ailment, suggesting that just as laxity in one's health can lead to significant issues, so too can careless communication. This underscores the belief that words hold power and that using them with care is essential to convey meaning accurately and effectively.
Themes
CommunicationPrecisionLanguageWordsCare
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on public speaking, I could quote Calvin to emphasize the importance of clear expression.
More from John Calvin
All quotes βThe pastor ought to have two voices: one, for gathering the sheep; and another, for warding off and driving away wolves and thieves. The Scripture supplies him with the means of doing both.
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Man is never sufficiently touched and affected by the awareness of his lowly state until he has compared himself with God's majesty.
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Whomever the Lord has adopted and deemed worthy of His fellowship ought to prepare themselves for a hard, toilsome, and unquiet life, crammed with very many and various kinds of evil.
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For as the aged, or those whose sight is defective, when any book, however fair, is set before them, though they perceive that there is something written, are scarcely able to make out two consecutive words, but, when aided by glasses, begin to read distinctly, so Scripture, gathering together the impressions of Deity, which, till then, lay confused in our minds, dissipates the darkness, and shows us the true God clearly.
John CalvinRead
When God wants to judge a nation, He gives them wicked rulers.
John CalvinRead
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