“He who speaks truth declares righteousness, but a false witness, deceit. There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health” (Proverbs 12:17-18).
These two proverbs address what to say when you speak and how to say it. Their timeless accuracy is echoed by the apostle Paul’s counsel to speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15) and to “let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Col. 4:6).
The content of our speech is to be truth. This is essential to righteousness, and Jesus is the perfect example of having a deceit-less mouth (1 Pet. 2:22). It is this constant characteristic of Jesus’ speech which makes Him the faithful witness (Rev. 1:5) and the light of the world (John 8:12).
The manner in which we speak matters also. A sword and a scalpel are both extremely sharp. The typical use of a sword is to damage and destroy the recipient of its blows. Though razor sharp like a sword, a scalpel can bring about healing and health when it is expertly used. Use your tongue like a health-giving scalpel, not a deadly sword.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue (Prov. 18:21). Therefore, what we say and how we say it are of critical importance.
Speak the truth wisely.
