Proverbs 15:4
"Speech that heals is like a life-giving tree,
but a perverse tongue breaks the sprirt."
Proverbs 15v4 (NET)
Observations
Once again, we have a proverb about what we say. Evidently, the Bible considers the words we use, and how we use them, as a key holiness battleground. The words we use have high stakes -- they can be life-giving or spirit breaking. Speech that heals is like a tree. There are many ways to explore this metaphor, I'll pick one:
- Trees give shade from the sun and rain
Shade
This requires wisdom. Sometimes we are called to reveal, sometimes to cover. At the wedding in Cana, Jesus' actions covered the shame of the bridal party and he was happy for them to take the credit. Remember, love covers a multitude of sins: our speech should be loving. If we are in one of those situations that requires "shade", how do we provide it with our words? Speech is powerful, in part, because speech mediates our relationships. We manage the social world with words: chosing what about ourselves to reveal, and what to point out in others; making appeals for a certain course of action (please can I have a biscuit); reframing someone else's thinking, indeed, reframing our own thinking; the list goes on. We provide shade when we deflect criticism away from someone else, and on to use. That is, we provide shade when we take the blame. The proverbs says that this kind of action not only prevents harm, but brings healing.
"But a perverse tongue breaks the spirit"
In contrast to the life-giving tree, some words bring death. Breaking someone's spirit is a serious thing. Our words sometimes have the power to force someone to give up. To continue refecting on the idea of shade: when we publicly uncover sin or shame in another, without offered grace, we are in the very real danger of them giving up on pursuing true godliness (as opposed to common virtue, see Edwards). Some broken things can't be fixed and will never work again. In a single moment with a few ill-placed words, we can forever destroy someone. The asymmertry here is dizzying.
Christ
Christ is the great intercessor. His words both on Earth ("Forgive them Father...") and in Heaven (Heb 7:25) provide the shade we need from the wrath of God (even the deserved wrath for destroying someone made in his image). His words brought, and still bring the healing shade we desperatley need: "Father, see this little one? She is mine, I've already paid."
Application
Consider your words. Do you have an ambition with your words? What is that ambition? Do you use them to persuade? Demand attention? Harass others? Maybe cut others down? If so, repent and seek the shade of Christ's words. Make your ambition to heal those around you with your words. To quote princess Perl from Juila Donaldson's 'Zog' the world's already too full of cuts and burns and bumps. You can heal your co-workers, mother, estranged sister, pastor, son, friend: give shade.