Proverbs 12:18
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There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
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Death and life are in the power of the tongue (18:21). We can cut a person with our words, like the piercings of a sword; or we can heal and nurture them with our words. Which are you best at? Which are you known for? Which do you want for your speech?
The tongue is an unruly evil; it is a world of iniquity; it defiles the whole body; it sets on fire the course of nature; it is a fire from hell; and it is full of deadly poison. Wild animals can be tamed, but the tongue can never be tamed. If it could be tamed, we would be perfect. God ignores modern self-esteem and damns our tongues (James 3:1-12)!
There are two kinds of persons and speech. Some people only know cutting words; and some are generally or always gracious. Speech can be destructive, or it can be healthful.
Christians should always speak graciously, with only a pinch of salt - biting criticism - seasoning it (Col 4:6). This balance - 98% graciousness - is how we speak to please God. Biting criticism and sarcasm outside this balance are wrong (Eph 4:31-32).
Our speech should be a tree of life to others (15:4), and it should be appreciated for its sweetness and health (16:24) and beauty (25:11). If you have few friends and family members who seek you out for conversation, then you need to examine your speech.
Backbiting, slandering, whispering, and talebearing, which create deep piercing wounds, should never be part of our speech, as they prove an unfaithful spirit (18:8; 26:22).
Jesus said evil speech is murder (Matt 5:21-22). Foolish and unlearned questions, debate, railing, and answering again are all sins (II Timothy 2:23; Rom 1:29; I Pet 3:9; Titus 2:9).
Good speech is at the right time (15:23), with gracious (22:11) and acceptable words (10:32). So let us be slow to speak (James 1:29) and search out good words (15:28).
Our Lord Jesus could verbally destroy Pharisees and other fools of His day (Matt 22:46), but He generally chose gracious speech that amazed hearers (Ps 45:2; Luke 4:22; Tit 2:8).
When you end a conversation, is the other person bleeding or growing? Do others love talking with you, because they know they will enjoy it and profit by it? Or do they avoid your painful words? Do some leave you bleeding? Do some leave you growing?
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