The Upper Room Devotional 15 April 2026, Wednesday Message
Words Linger
Beverly Taylor (Arizona, USA)
Today’s Reading
Ephesians 4:22-29
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Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. – Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
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.
Thought for the Day
My words have the power to build up or tear down. Which will I choose?
Prayer Focus
Someone whose words have deeply affected me
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April 2026 Wednesday Study Questions
Today’s Prayer
Dear God, may our words be acceptable and bring healing to the listener, help to the hurting, and support to the weary. Amen.
The Upper Room Devotional 15 April 2026 is a daily devotional magazine published in more than 30 languages and 100 countries around the world. The daily meditations are written by readers of the magazine and others interested in sharing their faith experiences through writing—both laity and clergy, published authors and new writers. Read More
