A diamond weighing 114 pounds was discovered near Pretoria, South Africa in 1905.

During a routine inspection at the Premier Diamond Mine in South Africa, a 3,106-carat diamond was discovered. Named the Cullinan Diamond, it weighed 114 pounds and was the largest diamond crystal ever found.

After examining the diamond for six months, Joseph Asscher prepared to cut the enormous stones into smaller pieces. Fearful of how his heart might react to a blunder, Asscher had a doctor stand by as he hit the first critical blow. After nearly shattering the diamond on his initial attempt, Asscher managed to divide the diamond with his second blow—and then promptly fainted. The crystal was cut into 106 polished diamonds, valued at tens of millions of dollars.

The largest of the stones is the “Star of Africa,” which at 530.2 carats is the largest cut diamond in the world. The gem was presented to Britain’s King Edward VII, and can be seen today in the Tower of London with the other Crown Jewels.

Imagine the excitement of discovering such a huge diamond! But do you know that the Bible tells us about something that is even more valuable than the most precious of gems? It’s wise speech!

Speech that is wise reflects God’s love and concern for others. It is sincere and honest. It contains words that are meant to encourage and comfort. A person who uses wise speech thinks about what he is going to say before speaking.

If you have ever been the recipient of cruel and thoughtless speech, you know how harmful unwise words can be. But if the people in your life speak to you with words that are caring and encouraging, you know the real value of wise speech!

Wise speech is rarer and more valuable than gold and rubies (Proverbs 20:15).

To Do

When was the last time you used unwise words? Consider what you can say now to that person to correct the situation.

Also on this day . . .

1788—The first European settlers landed in Australia. This day is celebrated as Australia Day.

1837—Michigan became America’s 26^th state.

1875—George F. Green patented the electric dental drill for sawing, filing, and polishing teeth.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.