Words Linger

When an older saleswoman in a cosmetics department asked me what I used to cleanse my face, as a naive 20-year-old with blemish-free, youthful skin I was flattered. I proudly named the hand soap I used. She grimaced and harshly predicted, “When you are 40 you will look 80!” I felt humiliated by her criticism, and though I quickly walked away, the sting of her words stayed with me. Words can and do find permanent residence in us. Words have long-lasting power.

This deep-rooted memory of the salesclerk prompts and encourages me to be mindful and to guard my words. The Bible offers wisdom regarding the words we speak. Ecclesiastes 10:12 says, “Words from the mouth of the wise are gracious.” In today’s verse Paul directs believers to speak politely, while in Colossians 4:6 he writes that conversations need to be characterized by grace and wisdom. Because words can live on and either damage or uplift the human spirit, we need to speak cautiously and carefully so we bring out the best in others. May we give grace to those listening, building up others through all our conversations.