He 's gone, and who knows how he may report Thy words by adding fuel to the flame?
Interpretation
The quote reflects the uncertainty and potential consequences of someone misinterpreting or miscommunicating our words after they have left.
In this quote, John Milton expresses concern over the potential for distortion of one's words after they have been spoken, especially in the context of relationships. It highlights the idea that when someone departs, there is a risk that they may convey our intentions inaccurately, possibly intensifying any existing issues or conflicts. This serves as a reminder of the importance of clear communication and the unpredictability of others' interpretations.
In practice
Using this quote during a discussion about the importance of honesty in relationships.
They, looking back, all the eastern side beheld Of Paradise, so late their happy seat, Waved over by that flaming brand, the gate With dreadful faces thronged and fiery arms: Some natural tears they dropped, but wiped them soon; The world was all before them, where to choose Their place of rest, and Providence their guide; They, hand in hand, with wandering steps and slow, Through Eden took their solitary way.
The stars, that nature hung in heaven, and filled their lamps with everlasting oil, give due light to the misled and lonely traveller.
Ev'n them who kept thy truth so pure of old, When all our fathers worshipp'd stocks and stones.
Abashed the devil stood and felt how awful goodness is and saw Virtue in her shape how lovely: and pined his loss
The end of all learning is to know God, and out of that knowledge to love and imitate Him.
Apt words have power to suage the tumors of a troubled mind.
In all things that are purely social we can be as separate as the fingers, yet one as the hand in all things essential to mutual progress.
When men hear women want a commitment, they think it means commitment to a romantic relationship, but that's not it. It's a commitment to not floating around anymore. I want a guy who is entrenched in his own life. Entrenched is awesome.
We must keep ourselves in touch, not with theories, but with people. We must never get out of touch with them if we are going to use the Word of God skillfully amongst them and if the Holy Spirit is to apply the Word of God through us.
The depth of this conflict, which is more than one hundred years old, requires us to find a way to communicate... so that the residents of the Middle East, Jews and Arabs alike, can live not as if they were forced to live together, but rather destined to live together.
I just make it my business to get along with people so I can have fun. It's that simple.
I believe in the institution of marriage, and I intend to keep trying till I get it right.
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