Proverbs 12:18

¶ There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise [is] health.

There is {H3426} that speaketh {H981} like the piercings {H4094} of a sword {H2719}: but the tongue {H3956} of the wise {H2450} is health {H4832}.

Idle talk can pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise can heal.

Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

There is that speaketh rashly like the piercings of a sword; But the tongue of the wise is health.

Commentary

Proverbs 12:18 offers a stark contrast regarding the impact of speech, highlighting both its destructive and constructive potential. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the profound influence our words have on others and on our own well-being.

Context

The Book of Proverbs is a collection of ancient Israelite wisdom literature, offering practical guidance for living a righteous and fulfilling life. It frequently emphasizes the importance of discerning speech, contrasting the words of the wise with those of the foolish. Throughout Proverbs, the tongue is presented as a mighty tool capable of both great good and great harm, making this verse a key teaching on communication within the broader wisdom tradition.

Key Themes

  • The Destructive Power of Reckless Speech: The phrase "speaketh like the piercings of a sword" vividly illustrates how words can inflict deep, painful wounds. Rash, thoughtless, or malicious speech can cut relationships, destroy reputations, and leave lasting emotional scars, similar to how a physical sword causes injury. This theme echoes the warning that the tongue can be a fire, a world of iniquity.
  • The Healing Power of Wise Speech: In direct contrast, "the tongue of the wise is health." This signifies that words spoken with wisdom, discernment, and kindness can bring restoration, comfort, and well-being. Wise speech is not merely the absence of harm; it actively promotes healing, reconciliation, and spiritual or emotional flourishing. It aligns with the principle that death and life are in the power of the tongue.
  • The Call to Discernment in Communication: The verse implicitly calls believers to exercise great care and wisdom in their communication. It challenges us to consider the impact of our words before they are uttered, choosing to speak life and healing rather than pain and destruction.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "piercings" (mahalûmôt) can also mean "blows" or "wounds," emphasizing the physical and painful impact of harmful words. The word for "health" (marpēʼ) carries a rich meaning of healing, remedy, cure, or restoration. It implies not just the absence of sickness, but a return to wholeness and well-being, highlighting the comprehensive restorative power of wise and gracious speech.

Practical Application

Proverbs 12:18 compels us to reflect on our own patterns of communication. In an age where words spread rapidly through various platforms, understanding their impact is more critical than ever. We are encouraged to:

  • Think Before We Speak: Consider the potential effects of our words before uttering them, ensuring they are constructive, not destructive.
  • Be Intentional with Encouragement: Actively use our words to build up, comfort, and affirm others, fostering an environment of "health" and peace.
  • Practice Discernment: Learn to speak truth in love, knowing when to be silent and when to offer a word of wisdom or comfort (Ephesians 4:29 advises us to use words that edify).

Ultimately, this verse challenges us to harness the immense power of our tongue for good, becoming agents of healing and restoration in a world often wounded by careless speech.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 16:24 (19 votes)

    ¶ Pleasant words [are as] an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

  • Proverbs 15:4 (16 votes)

    ¶ A wholesome tongue [is] a tree of life: but perverseness therein [is] a breach in the spirit.

  • Psalms 57:4 (8 votes)

    My soul [is] among lions: [and] I lie [even among] them that are set on fire, [even] the sons of men, whose teeth [are] spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.

  • Psalms 52:2 (7 votes)

    Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.

  • James 3:6 (7 votes)

    And the tongue [is] a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

  • James 3:8 (7 votes)

    But the tongue can no man tame; [it is] an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

  • Proverbs 4:22 (5 votes)

    For they [are] life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.