Words Can Wound

Proverbs (12:17–23): 

“Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.”

17
He who speaks truth [when he testifies] tells what is right,
But a false witness utters deceit [in court].
¹⁸ 
There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword,
But the tongue of the wise brings healing.
¹⁹ 
Truthful lips will be established forever,
But a lying tongue is [credited] only for a moment.
²⁰ 
Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,
But counselors of peace have joy.
²¹ 
No harm befalls the righteous,
But the wicked are filled with trouble.
²² 
Lying lips are extremely disgusting to the Lord,
But those who deal faithfully are His delight.
²³ 
A shrewd man is reluctant to display his knowledge [until the proper time],
But the heart of [over-confident] fools proclaims foolishness.
²⁴ 
The power of the tongue. From Ellicott’s commentary:  (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.”

It is interesting to me that we are speaking here of the babbling of words that cut and pierce, while taking no notice of the victim’s suffering.  Our words carry such impact, to our children, spouses, family and friends.  Do we speak life and encouragement, or are we coming from it with criticism and judgement?

Let’s look at some way our tongue can cut, kill and maim:

·      Criticism – approaching all interactions through a critical spirit. Why not see how you can help, rather than find whats wrong?

·      Slander. We cut people down and leave them gasping for air when we speak about them- defacing their character.  Instead pray for them.

·      Whisperings behind another’s back – which divide and separate. Why not speak in the light, through the lens of love?

·      A foolish woman is soon angry and has no problem expressing it.  This shatters communication and separates.  This road is a road that leads to constant chaos.  Why not “Stop, drop and pray” before the words and accusations tumble out?

·      A lying tongue cant be trusted…ever. Why not offer truth instead?

In Hebrew, the edge of the sword is called it’s “mouth”. Is the path that we are cutting one that destroys, criticizes,, castrates and maims as we go?  Or are our words cutting through uncharted territories with encouragement and worship, paving the way into the mysteries of God? We, always, have the choice.