Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 12:18, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
American Standard Version
There is that speaketh rashly like the piercings of a sword; But the tongue of the wise is health.
World English Bible version
There is one who speaks rashly like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise heals.
Proverbs 12:18 Meaning & Commentary
There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18 (ESV)
There is a famous saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” The implication is that words will have no effect on us, but the reality is that they do.
When people say mean and hurtful things – it can affect us. The amount of impact it has may depend on who says them. If it’s someone we don’t know, it will be easier to brush off. But, what if it was a spouse, a loved one, or a friend?
A kid who hears their Mom or Dad calls them “stupid,” or an “idiot” cannot just forget about that and ignore it – those words will go deep into the inner being of that kid.
In Proverbs 12:18 -The Bible likens rash words to sword thrusts. Just as a sword thrust does not just scratch the surface level but instead goes deep into a person’s inner being, so are hurtful or rash words.
Not only can words be hurtful, but they release blessings or curses over other people: James 3:10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.
The Bible also says that the tongue of the wise brings healing. Just as rash words can do damage, a kind and encouraging word can bring healing, encouragement, and hope – especially when they are inspired by The Spirit of God.
When Jesus spoke, His words carried life and power: John 6:63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.
A wise person thinks before speaking rather than just saying the first thing that comes to mind. Words inspired by The Holy Spirit and spoken at an opportune moment and time can bring healing to someone’s life!
Application
How can we apply Proverbs 12:18 to our lives?
We must be careful with the words we release out of our mouths. Jesus said that our words would either justify or condemn us: Matthew 12:37 “for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Not only will we need to account for our words, but our words can cause damage and harm to other people, so we need to be careful with how we speak to others.
Let’s choose to use our tongues as vessels of honor for Jesus Christ. James 3:10 teaches us that our tongue can be used for good or evil – much like money. It is a “neutral” organ, but it can be inspired by God or set on fire by hell: James 3:5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!
When we surrender our lives (including our body and tongue) to God, we offer ourselves to him as a sacrifice to carry out His will: Romans 12:1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers,[a] by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
When we ask God for Wisdom, we will know what to do, when to do it and how to do it! We can then speak as wise people who bring healing through our words, as Proverbs 12:18 says.
So, we need to ask God to impart wisdom into our hearts, so that wisdom can come out of our hearts and be released through our words. We will then be able to speak healing and life-giving words at just the right moment: Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
Prayer
Mighty God, I thank You for Your Word, which inspires and challenges me. I desire to be like Jesus and speak words that carry life and bring healing to others.
Help to guard and protect my heart and not speak aimlessly. Father, I also forgive anyone who may have spoken hurtful words to me. I ask this all in Jesus’ name. Amen!
