Accounts Quote by William Cowper
“Sacred interpreter of human thought, How few respect or use thee as they ought! But all shall give account of every wrong, Who dare dishonor or defile the tongue; Who prostitute it in the cause of vice, Or sell their glory at a market-price!”
About This Quote
Source Poem: The Task, 1785
The quote warns that the human mind and speech are often misused, and everyone will be judged for corrupting language or exploiting it for selfish ends.
In simple terms: Mind and speech are misused; accountability follows.
Key Takeaway
Guard your words and thoughts.
Themes
responsibility
ethics
communication
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political debate
- personal relationships
- media commentary
- advertising
- legal testimony
Key Concepts
Moral accountability
oral corruption
speech ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you ensure your speech reflects integrity?
- What consequences do you fear for misusing language?
A Different Perspective
It may overstate the inevitability of judgment, ignoring forgiveness.
