Ben Sira 28:17

17 A whip can raise a welt, but a vicious tongue can break bones.

Ben Sira 28:17 In-Context

15 Meddlers have caused faithful wives to be divorced, robbed of everything they had worked for.

16 Anyone who pays attention to slander can never find peace of mind.

17 A whip can raise a welt, but a vicious tongue can break bones.

18 More people have died as a result of loose talk than were ever killed by swords.

19 Count yourself lucky if you have been spared the experience of having irresponsible talk directed against you - if you have never had that iron yoke around your neck or those heavy chains on your legs.