Proverbs 12:18 The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
This chapter of the Book of Proverbs has several statements about careless or foolish or deceitful speech. Jesus spoke about the same, warning us that careless words will be judged :
Matthew 12:36-37 But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. (37) For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
This proverb seems to fly in the face of the adage: sticks and stones may break my bones but words they cannot hurt me! The fact is, many of us have been wounded by reckless words. The point of this warning about empty or reckless words is to help us be careful in our speech. What we say can damage our own lives as well as wound others. Christians expect God’s forgiveness but, nonetheless, we ought to guard our tongues. James writes about all this in his letter [James Chapter 3].
I wonder, do we ever stop to think how damaged someone might be because of what we say – and the way we say it? So good to know that wise words can heal those wounds.