Tuesday, December 16, 2008

“Silken Words, Sugared Manners” Commentary

The great sage, Balthasar Gracian wrote:

“Arrows pierce the body, insults the soul. Sweet pastry perfumes the breath. It is a great art in life to know how to sell wind. Most things are paid for in words, and by them you can remove impossibilities.

“Thus we deal in air, and a royal breath can produce courage and power. Always have your mouth full of sugar to sweeten your words, so that even your ill-wishers enjoy them. To please one must be peaceful.”

Oh, how I wish I could tweak my tone and polish my words at times. It seems the emotions and drives of motivation are forever at risk of taking captive the said word, plunging it into an abyss where the potential of the moment is ravaged. We are left to ponder what might have been.

How often do we finish mid-sentence, leaving out our best gasp, as the point peters out in a sorrowful display of communication. I think this is why I like to write. I am much better with the written word. There is time to think.

Sweeter words are something to truly aspire to. The tone, the angle of speech, with an intent to bless and not curse.

It’s best not to be too resigned to verbal communication that doesn’t fit the bill. We win some and we lose some. We can’t forever be at the top of our games. And this is where the grace of God completes the picture. We’re never truly lost with him.

Copyright © 2008, S. J. Wickham. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

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