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cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad18.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/12-17.htm" title="Proverbs 12:17">◄</a> Proverbs 12:18 <a href="/proverbs/12-19.htm" title="Proverbs 12:19">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/12.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/12.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/12.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/12.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/12.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise <i>is</i> health.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise <i>promotes</i> health.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, But the tongue of the wise brings healing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, But the tongue of the wise brings healing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, But the tongue of the wise brings healing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, But the tongue of the wise brings healing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, But the tongue of the wise brings healing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />There is one who speaks rashly, like a piercing sword; but the tongue of the wise brings healing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />There is one who speaks rashly, like a piercing sword; but the tongue of the wise brings healing. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />There is that speaketh rashly like the piercings of a sword; But the tongue of the wise is health.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Sharp words cut like a sword, but words of wisdom heal. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />There is that speaketh rashly like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Careless words stab like a sword, but the words of wise people bring healing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/12.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Thoughtless words can wound as deeply as any sword, but wisely spoken words can heal. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Some speak rashly like the cutting of a sword, but what the wise say promotes healing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Speaking recklessly is like the thrusts of a sword, but the words of the wise bring healing. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />There is one who speaks rashly like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise heals.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />There is one who speaks rashly like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise heals. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />A rash speaker is like piercings of a sword, "" And the tongue of the wise is healing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> A rash speaker is like piercings of a sword, And the tongue of the wise is healing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />There is he talking idly as the piercings of the sword: and the tongue of the wise is healing.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />There is that promiseth, and is pricked as it were with a sword of conscience: but the tongue of the wise is health. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />He who makes promises is also jabbed, as if with a sword, in conscience. But the tongue of the wise is reasonable.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The babble of some people is like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise is healing. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />There are those whose speech is like the piercing of a sword; but the tongue of the wise heals.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/12.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />There are those that speak a stabbing sword, but the tongue of the wise heals.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/12.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword; But the tongue of the wise is health.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/12.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Some wound as they speak, <i>like</i> swords; but the tongues of the wise heal.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/12-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=2273" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/12.htm">Loving Discipline and Knowledge</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">17</span>He who speaks the truth declares what is right, but a false witness speaks deceit. <span class="reftext">18</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3426.htm" title="3426: yêš (Adv) -- Being, substance, existence, is. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/981.htm" title="981: bō·w·ṭeh (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To speak rashly or thoughtlessly. Or batah; a primitive root; to babble; hence, to vociferate angrily.">Speaking rashly</a> <a href="/hebrew/4094.htm" title="4094: kə·maḏ·qə·rō·wṯ (Prep-k:: N-fpc) -- A piercing, stab, thrust. From daqar; a wound.">is like a piercing</a> <a href="/hebrew/2719.htm" title="2719: ḥā·reḇ (N-fs) -- A sword. From charab; drought; also a cutting instrument, as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement.">sword,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3956.htm" title="3956: ū·lə·šō·wn (Conj-w:: N-csc) -- Tongue. Or lashon; also feminine lshonah; from lashan; the tongue, used literally, and figuratively.">but the tongue</a> <a href="/hebrew/2450.htm" title="2450: ḥă·ḵā·mîm (Adj-mp) -- Wise. From chakam; wise.">of the wise</a> <a href="/hebrew/4832.htm" title="4832: mar·pê (N-ms) -- From rapha'; properly, curative, i.e. Literally a medicine, or a cure; figuratively deliverance, or placidity.">brings healing.</a> </span><span class="reftext">19</span>Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-5.htm">James 3:5-8</a></span><br />In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. / The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. / All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Ephesians 4:29</a></span><br />Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-1.htm">Proverbs 15:1</a></span><br />A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/18-21.htm">Proverbs 18:21</a></span><br />Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-36.htm">Matthew 12:36-37</a></span><br />But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. / For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/4-6.htm">Colossians 4:6</a></span><br />Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-24.htm">Proverbs 16:24</a></span><br />Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/25-11.htm">Proverbs 25:11</a></span><br />A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/52-2.htm">Psalm 52:2-4</a></span><br />Your tongue devises destruction like a sharpened razor, O worker of deceit. / You love evil more than good, falsehood more than speaking truth. Selah / You love every word that devours, O deceitful tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-19.htm">James 1:19</a></span><br />My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-19.htm">Proverbs 10:19</a></span><br />When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/13-3.htm">Proverbs 13:3</a></span><br />He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-10.htm">1 Peter 3:10</a></span><br />For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-23.htm">Proverbs 21:23</a></span><br />He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:12</a></span><br />The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">There is that speaks like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.</p><p class="hdg">that</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/25-18.htm">Proverbs 25:18</a></b></br> A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour <i>is</i> a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/52-2.htm">Psalm 52:2</a></b></br> Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp rasor, working deceitfully.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/57-4.htm">Psalm 57:4</a></b></br> My soul <i>is</i> among lions: <i>and</i> I lie <i>even among</i> them that are set on fire, <i>even</i> the sons of men, whose teeth <i>are</i> spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.</p><p class="hdg">like</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/revelation/1-16.htm">Revelation 1:16</a></b></br> And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance <i>was</i> as the sun shineth in his strength.</p><p class="hdg">but</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/10-20.htm">Proverbs 10:20,21</a></b></br> The tongue of the just <i>is as</i> choice silver: the heart of the wicked <i>is</i> little worth… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/13-17.htm">Proverbs 13:17</a></b></br> A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador <i>is</i> health.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/15-7.htm">Proverbs 15:7</a></b></br> The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish <i>doeth</i> not so.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/6-15.htm">Healing</a> <a href="/psalms/147-3.htm">Heals</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-22.htm">Health</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-15.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/psalms/45-5.htm">Pierce</a> <a href="/psalms/22-16.htm">Piercing</a> <a href="/psalms/106-33.htm">Rash</a> <a href="/psalms/106-33.htm">Rashly</a> <a href="/judges/9-4.htm">Reckless</a> <a href="/psalms/140-11.htm">Speaker</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-17.htm">Speaketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-17.htm">Speaks</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-4.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-13.htm">Talk</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-3.htm">Thrusts</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-12.htm">Tongue</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-20.htm">Uncontrolled</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-15.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-17.htm">Words</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-33.htm">Wounds</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/13-17.htm">Healing</a> <a href="/isaiah/30-26.htm">Heals</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-17.htm">Health</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-23.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/isaiah/36-6.htm">Pierce</a> <a href="/isaiah/27-1.htm">Piercing</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-25.htm">Rash</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-3.htm">Rashly</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-16.htm">Reckless</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-49.htm">Speaker</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-25.htm">Speaketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-3.htm">Speaks</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-18.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-3.htm">Talk</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-3.htm">Thrusts</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-19.htm">Tongue</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-18.htm">Uncontrolled</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-1.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-1.htm">Words</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-8.htm">Wounds</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 12</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/12-1.htm">Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/12.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword</b><br>This phrase highlights the destructive power of words spoken without thought or consideration. In biblical times, swords were common weapons of war, symbolizing violence and harm. The imagery of a "piercing sword" suggests that rash words can cause deep emotional and spiritual wounds, similar to physical injuries inflicted by a sword. This concept is echoed in <a href="/james/3-6.htm">James 3:6</a>, where the tongue is described as a fire capable of great destruction. The cultural context of the ancient Near East placed a high value on wisdom and careful speech, as seen in other wisdom literature like Ecclesiastes and the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized the importance of words in <a href="/matthew/12-36.htm">Matthew 12:36-37</a>. The idea of words as weapons is a recurring theme in Scripture, warning believers to guard their speech and use it for edification rather than harm.<p><b>but the tongue of the wise brings healing</b><br>In contrast to rash speech, the words of the wise are depicted as having a restorative and healing effect. This aligns with the biblical principle that wisdom, often associated with the fear of the Lord (<a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>), leads to life and peace. The "tongue of the wise" suggests discernment and the ability to speak truth in love, as encouraged in <a href="/ephesians/4-15.htm">Ephesians 4:15</a>. Healing here can be understood both in terms of personal relationships and spiritual well-being, reflecting the holistic view of health in biblical times. The wise use of words is a theme throughout Proverbs, emphasizing that wisdom is not just intellectual but practical, impacting how one interacts with others. This healing aspect can also be seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate source of healing and wisdom, as He spoke words of life and truth during His earthly ministry (<a href="/john/6-63.htm">John 6:63</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His insights into human behavior and godly living are captured in the book of Proverbs.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wise.htm">The Wise</a></b><br>In the context of Proverbs, the wise are those who fear the Lord and live according to His commandments. They are characterized by their understanding and prudent speech.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_foolish.htm">The Foolish</a></b><br>Often contrasted with the wise, the foolish are those who reject wisdom and understanding, often leading to destructive behavior and speech.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_words.htm">The Power of Words</a></b><br>Words have the power to harm or heal. Just as a sword can wound, so can reckless words. Conversely, wise words can bring comfort and restoration.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_wisdom.htm">The Importance of Wisdom</a></b><br>Seeking wisdom is crucial for believers. Wisdom guides our speech, ensuring that our words reflect God's love and truth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_our_speech.htm">Guarding Our Speech</a></b><br>Believers are called to be mindful of their words, striving to speak in ways that build up rather than tear down.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/healing_through_words.htm">Healing Through Words</a></b><br>Our speech should aim to bring healing and encouragement to others, reflecting the character of Christ in our interactions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_christ_in_communication.htm">Reflecting Christ in Communication</a></b><br>As followers of Christ, our communication should be marked by grace, truth, and love, serving as a testimony to our faith.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 12</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_wise_speech_foster_well-being.htm">Does wise speech foster well-being?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_speech.htm">What does the Bible teach about controlling speech?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_speech_literally_cause_life_or_death.htm">Proverbs 18:21: If words carry the power of life and death, where is the scientific basis for speech causing literal life or death? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_words_defile_a_person.htm">How do words defile a person?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(18) <span class= "bld">There is that speaketh.--</span>Rather, <span class= "ital">that babbleth, </span>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.<p><span class= "bld">The tongue of the wise is health</span>.--Or, <span class= "ital">healing; </span>soothing the wounds made by the other's indiscriminate chatter.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 18.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">There is that speaketh.</span> The word implies speaking thoughtlessly, rashly; hence we may render, "a babbler," "prater." Such a one inflicts wounds with his senseless tattle. <span class="cmt_word">Like the piercings of a sword.</span> The point of the simile is seen when we remember that the edge of the sword is called its "mouth" in the Hebrew (<a href="/genesis/34-26.htm">Genesis 34:26</a>; <a href="/exodus/17-13.htm">Exodus 17:13</a>, etc.; comp. <a href="/psalms/59-7.htm">Psalm 59:7</a>; <a href="/psalms/64-3.htm">Psalm 64:3</a>). The Greek gnome says - <p><span class="greek">Ἀλλ οὐδὲν ἕρπει ψεῦδος εἰς γῆρας χρόνου</span> <p><span class="accented">"A sword the body wounds, a word the soul."</span> Vulgate, <span class="accented">est qui promittit</span>, which restricts the scope of the clause to the making of vain promises (<a href="/leviticus/5-4.htm">Leviticus 5:4</a>; <a href="/numbers/30-7.htm">Numbers 30:7-9</a>), continuing, <span class="accented">et quasi gladio pungitur conscientiae</span>, "And is pierced as it were by the sword of his conscience." where "conscience" is added to make the meaning plain. Such a man suffers remorse if he breaks his promise, or if, like Jephthah, he keeps it. <span class="cmt_word">The tongue of the wise is health;</span> it does not pierce and wound like that of the chatterer, rather it soothes and heals even when it reproves (<a href="/proverbs/4-22.htm">Proverbs 4:22</a>; <a href="/proverbs/10-11.htm">Proverbs 10:11</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/12-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Speaking rashly</span><br /><span class="heb">בּ֭וֹטֶה</span> <span class="translit">(bō·w·ṭeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_981.htm">Strong's 981: </a> </span><span class="str2">To babble, to vociferate angrily</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is like a piercing</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּמַדְקְר֣וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(kə·maḏ·qə·rō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Noun - feminine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4094.htm">Strong's 4094: </a> </span><span class="str2">A piercing, stab, thrust</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sword,</span><br /><span class="heb">חָ֑רֶב</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·reḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2719.htm">Strong's 2719: </a> </span><span class="str2">Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but the tongue</span><br /><span class="heb">וּלְשׁ֖וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(ū·lə·šō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - common singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> </span><span class="str2">The tongue</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the wise</span><br /><span class="heb">חֲכָמִ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(ḥă·ḵā·mîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2450.htm">Strong's 2450: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wise</span><br /><br /><span class="word">brings healing.</span><br /><span class="heb">מַרְפֵּֽא׃</span> <span class="translit">(mar·pê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4832.htm">Strong's 4832: </a> </span><span class="str2">Curative, a medicine, a cure, deliverance, placidity</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/12-18.htm">Proverbs 12:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/12-18.htm">Proverbs 12:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/12-18.htm">Proverbs 12:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/12-18.htm">Proverbs 12:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/12-18.htm">Proverbs 12:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/12-18.htm">Proverbs 12:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/12-18.htm">Proverbs 12:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/12-18.htm">Proverbs 12:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/12-18.htm">Proverbs 12:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/12-18.htm">Proverbs 12:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/12-18.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 12:18 There is one who speaks rashly like (Prov. 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