Proverbs 15:4
A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
Original Language Analysis
מַרְפֵּ֣א
A wholesome
H4832
מַרְפֵּ֣א
A wholesome
Strong's:
H4832
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, curative, i.e., literally (concretely) a medicine, or (abstractly) a cure; figuratively (concretely) deliverance, or (abstractly) placidity
לָ֭שׁוֹן
tongue
H3956
לָ֭שׁוֹן
tongue
Strong's:
H3956
Word #:
2 of 8
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,
עֵ֣ץ
is a tree
H6086
עֵ֣ץ
is a tree
Strong's:
H6086
Word #:
3 of 8
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
חַיִּ֑ים
of life
H2416
חַיִּ֑ים
of life
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
4 of 8
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
וְסֶ֥לֶף
but perverseness
H5558
וְסֶ֥לֶף
but perverseness
Strong's:
H5558
Word #:
5 of 8
distortion, i.e., (figuratively) viciousness
Cross References
Proverbs 12:18There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.Proverbs 16:24Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.Proverbs 18:8The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.Proverbs 3:18She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.Malachi 4:2But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.Proverbs 18:14The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?Revelation 2:7He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.Psalms 109:22For I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me.Proverbs 26:22The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.1 Timothy 6:3If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
Historical Context
The tree of life imagery was powerful in ancient Israel, representing not just longevity but flourishing and blessing. Conversely, a broken spirit was seen as worse than physical injury (Proverbs 18:14).
Questions for Reflection
- Do your words bring life and healing, or do they crush and destroy?
- How might your speech patterns be damaging the spirits of those around you?
- What would it look like for your tongue to be a 'tree of life' in your family, church, and workplace?
Analysis & Commentary
A 'wholesome tongue is a tree of life,' but 'perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.' The Hebrew 'marpe' (wholesome/healing) connects speech to restoration and life-giving power. The 'tree of life' imagery recalls Eden (Genesis 2:9) and points to Christ, the ultimate life-giver. Conversely, 'perverseness' (Hebrew 'seleph'—distortion/crookedness) breaks ('sheber'—shatters) the spirit. Our words either build up or destroy. Reformed theology emphasizes our responsibility for edifying speech (Ephesians 4:29) that ministers grace to hearers.