Proverbs 12:18

18 The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

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Proverbs 12:18 in Other Translations

KJV

18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.

ESV

18 There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

NLT

18 Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.

MSG

18 Rash language cuts and maims, but there is healing in the words of the wise.

CSB

18 There is one who speaks rashly, like a piercing sword; but the tongue of the wise [brings] healing.

Proverbs 12:18 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 12:18

There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword
Whose words are like sharp swords, cutting, wounding, dividing, killing; see ( Psalms 57:4 ) ( 59:7 ) ( 64:3 ) ; such are the words of false witnesses, who by their false testimonies and perjuries are as guilty of the murder of men as cutthroats; such are the words of slanderers, backbiters, and talebearers, who grieve the innocent, wound their characters, destroy their good name and credit, and separate chief friends; and such are the words of antichrist, who looks like a lamb, but speaks like a dragon, ( Revelation 13:11 ) ; but the tongue of the wise [is] health;
or "healing" ^F5; by giving a faithful testimony which sets matters right; by clearing and defending the character of those who are falsely accused and wrongfully charged; by making up differences, and reconciling persons at variance through the detracting and lying insinuations of others; and by speaking comfortable, cheerful, and refreshing words to the injured and abused; especially the tongue of a wise minister of the Gospel is health, or healing, to wounded souls, to whom he ministers the Gospel of the grace of God, which directs to Christ for healing, peace, pardon, righteousness, and eternal life.