There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health. —Proverbs 12:18
We have all known someone at one time or another who might fall under the description of being “sharp tongued.” Some are unknowingly sharp, while others are knowingly arrogant, but neither type is pleasant to be around. That’s because their words cut and inflict deep wounds in their relationships with others.
There is a saying I like that humorously remarks, “Those who are quick to speak often say things they haven’t thought of yet.” This is often the case with sharp-tongued people. Their words slip beyond their teeth and gums before their impact has been measured.
We all know someone who fits comfortably under the banner of sharp tongued, but the fact is we have all been guilty of speaking piercing words at times. The thing is, though, words are not like a sneeze, an uncontrollable involuntary reaction. Words can indeed be controlled, and we can put several important safeguards in place to harness them. Capturing words while they are still thoughts is one. James 1:19 says, “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak,” and Galatians 5:23 says that one of the fruits of the spirit is self-control. So it is possible to control the piercing tongue.
Proverbs, however, presents a step beyond the captured thoughts and controlled tongue, and that is to use words to promote health. Now I do not believe in positive confession, speaking and believing things into existence, but I do believe in positive speaking. Sharp-tongued people always put us on edge because we constantly wonder if they are going to hurt us as they “wield their swords.” Yet consider those people of whom it is said, “I’ve never heard them say an unkind word about anyone.” What a wonderful reputation to have, all because their words promote health. If your tongue is frequently sharp or just occasionally sharp, let it be your goal today that not one unkind word will slip from your mouth. As you begin to string together days like this, you will soon develop the reputation of being a person whose words promote health in your hearers!
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