Proverbs Chapter 12 · Verse 18
There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
Original Language Analysis
יֵ֣שׁ
There is
H3426
יֵ֣שׁ
There is
Strong's:
H3426
Word #:
1 of 7
there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)
חָ֑רֶב
of a sword
H2719
חָ֑רֶב
of a sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
4 of 7
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
וּלְשׁ֖וֹן
but the tongue
H3956
וּלְשׁ֖וֹן
but the tongue
Strong's:
H3956
Word #:
5 of 7
the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,
Cross References
Proverbs 16:24Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.Proverbs 15:4A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.Psalms 52:2Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.Psalms 57:4My 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.Proverbs 15:7The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.Proverbs 25:18A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.Proverbs 13:17A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.Proverbs 4:22For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.Daniel 11:33And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days.Psalms 64:3Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words:
Historical Context
In honor-shame cultures, public words could destroy or restore reputation permanently. Wise speech required careful weighing of words' impact on hearers and community.
Questions for Reflection
- How often do your words wound versus heal those around you?
- What wisdom do you need to speak truth in genuinely helpful, gracious ways?
Analysis & Commentary
Rash words wound like sword thrusts, while wise tongues heal. Speech's power to harm or help demonstrates the moral weight of communication. James 3:1-12 expands this theme, showing the tongue's disproportionate influence for good or evil. Healing speech applies gospel truth with grace.