People may say one thing about me when I can listen, but they may say something entirely different when I leave the room. To be sure, some of those differences are spoken out of self-interests. But some things they say may be true. It is the true things that I should be concerned with. Once I leave the room, is the memory of me a blessing to other people, or does my memory somehow offend and discourage other people?
Proverbs 10:6-7 says, “Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.” Among the many blessings of a person who walks in righteousness with God, is that they are beloved by those who remember them. Another blessing for the righteous is that their words are also well received and honoring.
Reluctant Retiree 