Proverbs 12:18 (NASBStr)
There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword,
But the tongue of the wise brings healing.
The above proverb makes a great point for us to know and embrace. Solomon is telling us that those who speak wisdom don't have to do it like a sword. Having a wise heart and wise mind doesn't mean we have to have a sharp tongue. There are too many believers who don't understand this proverb. Many people who think they carry the truth think it must be wheeled like a sword. Yet, Solomon tells us that those who speak with a tongue the shape of a sword, do so "rashly." This word is only used three times in the Bible. The root of the word is to babble. Solomon is telling us that when we posses a fear of The Lord we will speak and bring healing. Wisdom does not put a sword in our mouth it puts healing on the lips. Those who speak with God and speak for God should speak like God. Wisdom comes from knowing God and fearing God and speaking like God. When we know God and fear God, than like God, we bring healing to others. If we know the truth we don't have to be caustic. Jesus was not caustic. He was truthful and brought healing to those who would believe. When we have wisdom from God we have healing on our mind and in our hearts and it comes out through our lips.
I love how this comes directly after the verse stating that whoever speaks truth speaks what is right. This verse indicates to me that while we might be speaking truth there is a right and wrong way to do it. I have many a time spoken harshly and hurt others while speaking the truth, and I would often rationalize it because it was the truth. Proverbs 3:3 on the other had tells us that we are to bind kindness and truth around our necks and that if we do we will find favor with God and man. It is important for me (and everyone I feel) to remember that we are to love others and to speak truth from that motivation. After all it was His loving kindness that brought us to repentance.
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