Proverbs 15:4 – “A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.”
by Dr. Bill Edgar, former chair of theGeneva College Board of Trustees, Former Geneva College President and longtime pastor in the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (RPNCA)
A family of gentle speech, a church where people speak kindly, an office with such conversation, is like a Garden of Paradise where one would want to live forever. Could there be higher praise than to compare something to a tree of life, which bestows immortality (Genesis 2:9, 3:24, Revelation 2:7, 22:2)?
A gentle tongue will rebuke at times, never out of pique, but always for the good of the hearer. Words from a friend pointing out a fault will hurt, but they come from faithful love. The gentle tongue instructs, speaking wisdom, with words that fit each situation, like apples of gold in a silver setting. With a soft answer that turns away wrath, the gentle tongue is merry, doing good to the hearer like medicine to the sick (Proverbs 27:6, 25:11, 15:1, 17:22).
Perverse words cannot break bones like sticks and stones. They do worse. An evil tongue can kill a spirit and break a heart. With our tongues we demean others, declaring them insignificant, a species of murder (Matthew 5:22). With our tongues, we can destroy. Iago’s deceitful words led Othello to ruin in Shakespeare’s play of the same name. As he handed Him over to the soldiers, Judas Iscariot called Jesus “Master,” and kissed Him. Evil tongues make family life agony, turn churches into dens of envy and malicious gossip, and make workplaces torture chambers. More than one church has sadly lost a member, and yet a month later people start remarking, “I still miss him, but I’m glad the attitude is gone.” Emails, Facebook, text messages, and Tweets amplify a tongue’s power to break spirits.
This short proverb, telling the tongue’s power to give life or kill the spirit, does not tell us how to cultivate a gentle tongue. James does: “But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath (James 1:19).” Paul does: “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6).” Peter says to defend the faith, but “with gentleness and reverence (I Peter 3:15).” The Psalmist prayed: “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips (Psalm 141:3).” And Jesus is our example. “All spoke well of Him and were amazed at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth (Luke 4:22).” Is it easy to cultivate a gentle tongue? No! “If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man (James 3:2),” and only one Man has ever been perfect. But striving to speak words that heal rather than wound merits lifelong effort, because a gentle tongue is a tree of life.
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As someone deeply immersed in the study and understanding of biblical wisdom and communication, I bring a wealth of expertise to the interpretation of Proverbs 15:4. My knowledge extends not only to the specific verse but also to the broader context of biblical teachings on the power of speech, interpersonal relationships, and the profound impact of words on individuals and communities.
Dr. Bill Edgar, the author of the article, is a figure with considerable authority in the context of Geneva College, having served as the former chair of the Geneva College Board of Trustees and as the former president of the college. Additionally, his long-term pastoral role in the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (RPCNA) adds significant weight to his insights on biblical passages.
Now, delving into Proverbs 15:4, the verse uses vivid imagery to convey the potency of speech. Describing a gentle tongue as a "tree of life" draws upon powerful biblical symbolism, referencing the tree of life mentioned in Genesis 2:9 and 3:24, as well as in Revelation 2:7 and 22:2. This metaphor implies that a gentle tongue has the capacity to bestow a sense of immortality, connecting the concept to the biblical narrative and themes of eternal life.
The article emphasizes the dual nature of speech—the ability of a gentle tongue to bring life and healing contrasted with the destructive power of perverse and evil words. Drawing on biblical references such as Proverbs 27:6, 25:11, 15:1, and 17:22, the author illustrates how gentle words can rebuke for the good of the hearer, instruct with wisdom, and turn away wrath, bringing joy and healing like medicine to the sick.
Furthermore, the article explores the detrimental effects of perverse words, stating that they can do more than just break bones; they have the potential to kill the spirit and break a heart. The examples provided, such as the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot and the destructive consequences of gossip in families, churches, and workplaces, highlight the real-world impact of words on individuals and communities.
The concluding portion of the article references other biblical passages that provide guidance on cultivating a gentle tongue. James 1:19 advises being quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath. Colossians 4:6 encourages gracious speech seasoned with salt, while 1 Peter 3:15 emphasizes defending the faith with gentleness and reverence. The Psalmist's prayer in Psalm 141:3, asking the Lord to guard the mouth and the lips, reinforces the importance of self-control in speech.
In summary, the article skillfully weaves together biblical wisdom, real-life examples, and practical advice, offering a comprehensive exploration of the profound impact of speech on individuals and communities, as well as guidance on cultivating a gentle tongue in line with biblical principles.
