Proverbs 12:18

A man is that promiseth, and he is pricked as with the sword of conscience; but the tongue of wise men is health. (There is a person who speaketh, and his words cut like a sword; but the tongues of the wise give health.)

Wycliffe Modern Spelling

In The King James Version

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

In Context

17He that speaketh that, that he knoweth, is a judge of rightfulness; but he that lieth, is a guileful witness. (He who speaketh what he knoweth, is a just judge or is a judge of righteousness; but he who lieth, is a deceitful witness.)

19The lip of truth shall be steadfast [into] without end; but he that is a sudden witness, maketh ready the tongue of leasing, (or but he who speaketh a ready answer, often haveth a lying tongue).

Read all of Proverbs 12

Cross References

Psalms 52:2All day thy tongue thought unrightfulness; as a sharp razor thou hast done guile. (Thy tongue speaketh unrighteousness, sharp like a razor; yea, thou hast been deceitful.)

Psalms 57:5God, be thou enhanced above heavens; and thy glory above all earth. (God, be thou exalted above the heavens; and thy glory above all the earth.)

Psalms 64:3For they sharpened their tongues as a sword, they bend their bow, a bitter thing; (For they sharpened their tongues like swords, yea, they bent their bows, and shot out bitter words;)

Proverbs 10:20Chosen silver is the tongue of a just man; the heart of wicked men is for nought. (Choice silver is like the tongue of a righteous person; but the hearts of the wicked be worth nothing.)

Proverbs 15:4A pleasant tongue is the tree of life; but the tongue that is unmeasurable [or untempered], shall defoul the spirit.

Proverbs 16:24Words well-set together is a comb of honey; health of bones is the sweetness of soul. (Kind words be like a honeycomb; sweet to the soul, and health for the bones.)

Matthew Henry on Proverbs 12:18

17 He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit. Here is, 1. A faithful witness commended for an honest man. He that makes conscience of speaking truth, and representing every thing fairly, to the best of his knowledge, whether in judgment or in common conversation, whether he be upon his oath or no, he shows forth righteousness; he makes it to appear that he is governed and actuated by the principles and laws of righteousness, and he promotes justice by doing honour to it and… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study Proverbs 12:18