Your tongue is either a piercing sword or a healing balm.
Those who brandish the sword display their wit and skill with self-absorbed alacrity.
They assume a thought conceived must be a word spoken.
They always spy out chinks in others’ armor; whereupon finding one, they dare not allow the opportunity to slip away.
With speed and focus, they determine the world will know their glory and so thrust the sword.
As the point reaches the heart, the victor boasts, “I have vanquished the foe; I have put him in his place never to rise again. In his dying obscurity, he shall know that I have bested him. Awake, O singers! Let thy anthems ring in exaltation of the mighty!”
Yet, is it not more manful to heal than to pierce?
For any fool can think himself great by putting down another, but only those with strength may mend.
If one is to heal, he must be sure footed and secure; his strength and skill are not for himself but for his companions.
With shield in one hand and bandages and balm in the other, he stands guard between two worlds.
He withstands the beatings and beratings of the fool as he kneels in burning compassion to revive his comrade.
“Up, dear friend! We have not time to lie here defeated by fools. Our Captain is coming; we have others to save.”
“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” (Proverbs 12:18 ESV)
A Boy and His Bible 