“There is one who speaks like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health” (Prov. 12:18).
I meet people everywhere I go who were raised in a climate of sarcasm. All they ever heard were cutting, belittling, abrasive words. On the outside, such people may appear unharmed, but inside they are still bruised, cut, and bleeding. Unless they find healing, that invisible hurt will usually make its presence known and felt in one negative way or another.
We Christians must be on our guard against sarcasm. Because of its powerful negative effect, this word is worth examining. According to Webster’s New Twentieth Century Dictionary, sarcasm comes from the Greek word sarcasmos, which is a derivative of sarkazein, meaning “to tear flesh like dogs.”
This verse tells us that sarcastic speech pierces like a sword. Sarcastic people can cut you to pieces with their tongues. Their words tear to shreds, wounding the “flesh” – especially the spirit – of their victims.
But the verse ends on a positive note: “the tongue of the wise promotes health.” Our words can cut or they can mend. They can wound, or they can heal. They can tear down or build up. We have a choice: we can pierce with sarcasm, or we can heal with words of wisdom.
Luke tells us that the people were astonished at the gracious words that came out of Jesus’ mouth (Luke 4:22). What a role model He was! Following our Lord’s example, we can always speak healing words. Let’s do it!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.