Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of
the wise brings healing.
– Proverbs 12:18
Words can cause horrible pain. Bruises and even gashes
can heal with time, but time alone cannot remove the hurts that words inflict.
Our proverb for today is to point out not the agony
caused by “reckless words” but the healing the same tongue can provide when it
is empowered with helpful words. Such a tongue is not just nice or positive or
kind. It’s the “tongue of the wise.” This tongue is empowered with love of God
and motivated by faith in God.
Just think what a force for good a sincere compliment
can be. Not only can it boost a person’s morale but also can give the incentive to
go on doing well. A word of apology can
ease excruciating pain. A word of encouragement can build up a person broken
down by verbal abuse or neglect. A word
of concern can heal the suffering of loneliness.
We must use our tongues as a force for good. In the
New Testament, James writes, “Out of the same mouth come praise and
cursing….This should not be (James 3:10). In God’s power we can use our tongues
for praise and blessing.
