Proverbs 12:18
There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The original Hebrew word translated as "speaketh" here actually carries a sense of babbling or speaking rashly, suggesting that the wound isn't necessarily intentional malice, but careless, thoughtless words that inflict deep pain. The verse then offers a stark contrast: the wise don't just avoid hurting others; their words actively heal, mending the very wounds that thoughtless speech creates.
This proverb is part of a larger section contrasting the ways of the wicked and the righteous, and the consequences of their actions. It follows warnings about deceitful lips and the value of truthfulness, setting up a direct comparison between careless, hurtful speech and the healing power of wise words. The verses immediately after will continue to explore the impact of truth versus falsehood.
Ever spoken something without thinking and regretted it instantly? This verse paints a vivid picture of just how damaging careless words can be.
The verse contrasts two types of speech. On one hand, we have 'rash words' that are 'like sword thrusts.'
The Impact of a Sword:
If words can wound like swords, what can mend those wounds? This verse offers a beautiful counterpoint.
The second part of the verse presents the 'tongue of the wise' as bringing 'healing.'
The Nature of Healing Words:
Understand the original words
battah · Hebrew Noun
Utterances made without reflection or restraint; impulsive speech that often lacks wisdom and causes immediate harm.
marpe · Hebrew Noun
A state of restoration, soundness, and wholeness; in the context of the tongue, it refers to speech that builds up, encourages, and restores relationships.
This passage directly addresses the destructive power of the tongue, likening it to a small fire that can set a whole forest ablaze and a deadly poison, echoing Proverbs' imagery of swords.
Matthew 12:36-37Jesus teaches that people will be held accountable for every careless word they speak, emphasizing the significant spiritual weight and impact of our speech, just as Proverbs warns of harmful words.
Ephesians 4:29This verse instructs believers to let only wholesome, grace-filled words come from their mouths, providing a direct command for the kind of healing speech that the 'tongue of the wise' represents.
Proverbs 15:1This proverb offers a clear contrast between a gentle answer that turns away wrath and a harsh word that stirs up anger, highlighting the wisdom in choosing words that bring peace rather than harm.
Colossians 4:6Paul urges that speech should always be gracious, seasoned with salt, which speaks to the skillful and beneficial way the wise use their words to edify others.
clarkeProverbs 12:18: "There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health."
There is that speaketh - Instead of בוטה boteh, blabbing out, blustering, several MSS. have בוטח boteach, Trusting: and instead of כמדקרות kemadkeroth, As the piercings, seven MSS., with the Complutensian Polyglot, have במדקרות bemadkeroth, In the piercings. "There is that trusteth in the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health." But I suppose the former to be the…
ellicottProverbs 12:18: "There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health."
(18) There is that speaketh.— Rather, that babbleth, like the piercing of a sword, that chatters on, not noticing or caring how he may wound the feelings of others by his inconsiderate remarks. The tongue of the wise is health.—Or, healing; soothing the wounds made by the other’s indiscriminate chatter.
The original Hebrew word translated as "speaketh" here actually carries a sense of babbling or speaking rashly, suggesting that the wound isn't necessarily intentional malice, but careless, thoughtless words that inflict deep pain. The verse then offers a stark contrast: the wise don't just avoid hurting others; their words actively heal, mending the very wounds that thoughtless speech creates.
This proverb is part of a larger section contrasting the ways of the wicked and the righteous, and the consequences of their actions. It follows warnings about deceitful lips and the value of truthfulness, setting up a direct comparison between careless, hurtful speech and the healing power of wise words. The verses immediately after will continue to explore the impact of truth versus falsehood.
This proverb is part of a larger section contrasting the ways of the wicked and the righteous, and the consequences of their actions. It follows warnings about deceitful lips and the value of truthfulness, setting up a direct comparison between careless, hurtful speech and the healing power of wise words. The verses immediately after will continue to explore the impact of truth versus falsehood.
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"There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." — The original Hebrew word translated as "speaketh" here actually carries a sense of babbling or speaking rashly, suggesting that the wound isn't necessarily intentional malice, but careless, thoughtle…
