Proverbs 12:18 Nuclear words
There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, But the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18 NASB
I can feel the deep emotion reflected in this verse. A wounded spirit is not in the same category as a broken limb or a cut finger. “Speaking rashly” according to Strong, is from batah; a primitive root; to babble; hence, to vociferate angrily — pronounce, speak (unadvisedly). I have rashly vented these one-sided conversations on others, working hard to authenticate myself. I’m human. But Solomon takes it further to say, “like the thrust of a sword.” The speaker’s intent is to damage and hurt. Words are powerful and no one wounds like the wounded. I have been on the receiving end of another’s thrust before. Once the words start rolling off their tongue, it is like a dam breaking—there’s no way to stop the flood of emotion, hurt, and misunderstanding. I can live with that, but when the sword strikes my person, it feels violent. Cruel. Using words thoughtlessly and without control is like a highly pressurized hose that someone turns on without holding it… it flops and flails wildly and everyone nearby gets soaked. Getting wet is one thing, being sliced and diced is another.
The words that comes from my mouth reflects the experience of my soul and spirit.
For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart. The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good; and the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil. But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. Matthew 12:34-36 NASB
My heart and mind is often the battlefield or the violent intersection of bad or good, sickness or health, poverty or prosperity, darkness or light, or even demonic or angelic. How my soul processes the taunts, bullying, and belittling of others, or their subtle nod, praise, or recognition defines who I am. Since Adam’s fall in the Garden, the odds have been substantially tilted toward my adversary’s goal of damage and irretrievable well-being of my soul. Until Christ.
Words — which scar and mar— may also be used for health and wealth (of soul). Solomon makes the connection earlier:
My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your sight; Keep them in the midst of your heart. For they are life to those who find them and health to all their body. Proverbs 4:20-22 NASB
The word “wise” is from chakam; meaning Intelligent, skillful or artful — cunning (man), subtle, wise (hearted). The picture of intentionality. Purpose. Assessing a situation and responding in a way that brings out the best good.
I need healing. We all do. The head on collision I had with sin caused internal injuries I am still recovering from. Yet, I receive grace as I sit at my Savior’s feet — a great love he pours like a stream of oil into my heart and mind — even my memories. Although it is my Father’s benefit for me personally, if I choose to clothe myself in his wisdom, it may also become a bubbling fountain of refreshing life that I share with others at the perfect Spirit-directed moment. When I hear your pain, see the expression of your loss or confusion or even despair, I may pull from the treasure he’s placed again and again in my soul and share them with you. And you with me.
“The wise” are those that are skilled, observant. Healing others’ wounds could be a full-time job if I pursued it. Starting my day at His throne helps me center on and receive from my source of life for the day. Rather than be a consumer, I’m a producer. Rather than be an observer, I’m a player. Sidelines or field? Inaction or action? In the morning I aspire to have my needy old man nailed to a cross and buried six feet under. My new man hears words such as “You are a mighty man, a warrior. Nothing can snatch you from my hand. You are chosen. I knew you before you were born. Everything you need is yours for the asking.” And on and on His words flow. When I’m not consumed with myself, I notice you. I hear and see just what you need. I speak the word, and you are healed. Yes, you’re beautiful. Capable. I understand the pain you feel, but let’s get over it and experience something else now.
The tongue may be weaponized, but my God uses it to heal and make whole.
For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 NASB