By combining one of the meanings of the word "conversation" as used in the King James Version of Scripture, with the modern understanding of the word, the efficacy of one's being and conduct as a means of communication is brought forcefully to light. In the 17th century, "conversation" was used to, among other things, denote manner of life, conduct, behavior. Thus, such Scriptures as I Pet. 1:15: "Be ye holy in all manner of conversation"; or, per modern translations: "in all manner of living" (ASV), "in all your conduct" (RSV), "in all your behavior" (Confrat. V). Today, we ordinarily use the word "conversation" to mean oral communication, or speech by which we express ourselves, or to communicate by word of mouth. But we speak not only vocally; what we actually are and the way we live speak even more tellingly. Hence, in the usage of the present, our manner of living can be well considered as "conversation," or a speaking to others, as, indeed, it most surely is. The Apostle declared, it will be recalled, we are "the epistle of Christ" "read and known of all men" (II Cor. 3:2-3). It has been aptly said, "What you are [and do] speaks so loudly I cannot hear what you say". Let us, therefore, take due heed to ourselves, that our "conversation," thus considered, or our being and conduct, "show forth" the glory and praise of God, as well as what we express in our speech (I Pet. 2:9).--Fred O. Blakely
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