There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
Careless, hasty and harsh speech pierces and wounds people like a sword, and sharp, severe and sarcastic words cut in the same way. Such wounding words estrange friends. They can inflict harm that even repentance may not undo. They wound hearts and can ruin lives.
By contrast, the tongue of the wise brings help and healing and health. The wise tongue is health because it uses words to strengthen people rather than to injure them. Wisdom shows in speaking kindly and refusing to accuse or condemn others to humble them for their faults or errors.
Sharp words displease the Lord Jesus and are wholly uncalled for, whether spoken to a fellow believer or to others. The verse calls for sheathing the sword of sharp words and replacing it with tender, thoughtful affection that helps others and makes for unity and peace. Harsh speech is not natural or inborn but a habit taken up over years that can and must be changed, and making that change brings the Lord's blessing.
Careless, hasty and harsh speech pierces and wounds people like a sword, and sharp, severe and sarcastic words cut in the same way. Such wounding words estrange friends. They can inflict harm that even repentance may not undo. They wound hearts and can ruin lives.
By contrast, the tongue of the wise brings help and healing and health. The wise tongue is health because it uses words to strengthen people rather than to injure them. Wisdom shows in speaking kindly and refusing to accuse or condemn others to humble them for their faults or errors.
Sharp words displease the Lord Jesus and are wholly uncalled for, whether spoken to a fellow believer or to others. The verse calls for sheathing the sword of sharp words and replacing it with tender, thoughtful affection that helps others and makes for unity and peace. Harsh speech is not natural or inborn but a habit taken up over years that can and must be changed, and making that change brings the Lord's blessing.