Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 12:18 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" There is one who speaks rashly like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise heals. "
Proverbs 12:18
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
16 A fool shows his annoyance the same day, but one who overlooks an insult is prudent.
17 He who is truthful testifies honestly, but a false witness lies.
18 There is one who speaks rashly like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise heals.
19 Truth’s lips will be established forever, but a lying tongue is only momentary.
20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil, but joy comes to the promoters of peace.
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The tongue can bring death or life, poison or medicine, depending on how it is used.
Some words cut and kill. They are like the thrusts of a sword. Harsh and insulting words hurt the spirit of those who hear them, and cut deeply to the heart. Slander, like a sword, wounds a person’s good name, and may leave damage that is hard to repair. Whispering and evil suspicion, like a sword, break apart the bonds of love and friendship, and separate people who once cared deeply for each other.
But there are also words that heal. “The tongue of the wise is health.” Wise speech closes up the wounds left by backbiting words, and helps make things whole again. It restores peace, settles disagreements, and encourages people to be reconciled. Wisdom knows how to find the right remedy for the harm caused by gossip and harmful speech.
From This Chapter
Proverbs 12:1
"Whoever loves correction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid."
Proverbs 12:2
"A good man shall obtain favor from the LORD, but he will condemn a man of wicked plans."
Proverbs 12:3
"A man shall not be established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous shall not be moved."
Proverbs 12:4
"A worthy woman is the crown of her husband, but a disgraceful wife is as rottenness in his bones."
Proverbs 12:5
"The thoughts of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful."
Proverbs 12:6
"The words of the wicked are about lying in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them."
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