Proverbs 12:17-28: a reflection

17He who is truthful testifies honestly, but a false witness lies. 18There is one who speaks rashly like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise heals. 19Truth’s lips will be established forever, but a lying tongue is only momentary. 20Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil, but joy comes to the promoters of peace. 21No mischief shall happen to the righteous, but the wicked shall be filled with evil. 22Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who do the truth are his delight. 23A prudent man keeps his knowledge, but the hearts of fools proclaim foolishness. 24The hands of the diligent ones shall rule, but laziness ends in slave labor. 25Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a kind word makes it glad. 26A righteous person is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. 27The slothful man doesn’t roast his game, but the possessions of diligent men are prized. 28In the way of righteousness is life; in its path there is no death.

Among these proverbs is a striking observation about the strength of words: There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Words, the proverb sees, have real force, to wound or to heal. Rash, careless words can pierce like a sword, doing real damage; but wise words can bring healing. And another proverb in the passage adds: Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad. A kind word can lift and gladden an anxious, burdened heart.

Notice the two effects of the tongue the proverbs name: to wound and to heal, to weigh down and to gladden. Rash words pierce like a sword; wise words heal. An anxious heart is weighed down; a good word makes it glad. Our words are not trivial; they have real effect in the lives of others, to wound or to heal, to burden or to lift. What we say can pierce someone or bring them healing, weigh them down or gladden them.

That gives weight to how we speak. We can use our words, carelessly, to wound and to weigh others down, with rash speech that pierces like a sword; or we can use them, wisely and kindly, to heal and to gladden, speaking words that bring healing and lift an anxious heart. Consider the effect of your words. Do not speak rashly, wounding others with careless words. Speak instead, as the wise do, words that heal, and offer to the anxious and burdened a good word that makes their heart glad. Your words can wound or heal; use them to bring healing and gladness, not wounds and burdens. A wise, kind word can heal and gladden; speak such words.

Lord, your word observes that rash words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing, and that a good word makes an anxious heart glad. Give weight in me to the effect of my words. I can use them carelessly to wound and to weigh others down, with rash speech that pierces; or I can use them, wisely and kindly, to heal and to gladden. Keep me from speaking rashly, wounding others with careless words. Help me speak instead, as the wise do, words that heal, and to offer to the anxious and burdened a good word that makes their heart glad. My words have real effect in the lives of others; help me use them to bring healing and gladness, not wounds and burdens. Make my tongue one that heals, and let my words lift and gladden those who hear them.