Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. New Living Translation Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. English Standard Version A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit. Berean Standard Bible A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. King James Bible A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. New King James Version A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, But perverseness in it breaks the spirit. New American Standard Bible A soothing tongue is a tree of life, But perversion in it crushes the spirit. NASB 1995 A soothing tongue is a tree of life, But perversion in it crushes the spirit. NASB 1977 A soothing tongue is a tree of life, But perversion in it crushes the spirit. Legacy Standard Bible A tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, But perversion in it breaks the spirit. Amplified Bible A soothing tongue [speaking words that build up and encourage] is a tree of life, But a perversive tongue [speaking words that overwhelm and depress] crushes the spirit. Christian Standard Bible The tongue that heals is a tree of life, but a devious tongue breaks the spirit. Holman Christian Standard Bible The tongue that heals is a tree of life, but a devious tongue breaks the spirit. American Standard Version A gentle tongue is a tree of life; But perverseness therein is a breaking of the spirit. Contemporary English Version Kind words are good medicine, but deceitful words can really hurt. English Revised Version A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breaking of the spirit. GOD'S WORD® Translation A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue breaks the spirit. Good News Translation Kind words bring life, but cruel words crush your spirit. International Standard Version A gentle statement is a tree of life, but perverted speech shatters the spirit. Majority Standard Bible A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. NET Bible Speech that heals is like a life-giving tree, but a perverse tongue breaks the spirit. New Heart English Bible A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but deceit in it crushes the spirit. Webster's Bible Translation A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness in it is a breach in the spirit. World English Bible A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but deceit in it crushes the spirit. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionA healed tongue [is] a tree of life, "" And perverseness in it—a breach in the spirit. Young's Literal Translation A healed tongue is a tree of life, And perverseness in it -- a breach in the spirit. Smith's Literal Translation The healing of the tongue the tree of life: and perverseness in it a breaking in the spirit. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleA peaceable tongue is a tree of life: but that which is immoderate, shall crush the spirit. Catholic Public Domain Version A peaceful tongue is a tree of life. But that which is immoderate will crush the spirit. New American Bible A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse one breaks the spirit. New Revised Standard Version A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleA wholesome tongue is a tree of life, and he who eats of its fruit shall be filled with it. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated The tree of life is the healing of the tongue, and he that eats its fruit will be filled by it. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917A soothing tongue is a tree of life; But perverseness therein is a wound to the spirit. Brenton Septuagint Translation The wholesome tongue is a tree of life, and he that keeps it shall be filled with understanding. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath…3The eyes of the LORD are in every place, observing the evil and the good. 4A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. 5A fool rejects his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction is prudent.… Cross References James 3:5-12 In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. / The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. / All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, ... Ephesians 4:29 Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen. Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Matthew 12:36-37 But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. / For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Proverbs 12:18 Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 16:24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 18:21 Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 10:11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. Proverbs 13:3 He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin. Proverbs 21:23 He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress. 1 Peter 3:10 For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. Psalm 34:13 Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech. Psalm 141:3 Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips. Ecclesiastes 10:12 The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him. Isaiah 50:4 The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of discipleship, to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning; He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple. Treasury of Scripture A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. a wholesome Proverbs 12:18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health. Proverbs 16:24 Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. Malachi 4:2 But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. a tree Proverbs 3:18 She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her. Genesis 3:22-24 And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: … 1 Timothy 6:3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; a breach Proverbs 18:8,14 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly… Proverbs 26:22 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. Psalm 52:2-4 Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp rasor, working deceitfully… Jump to Previous Breach Breaking Breaks Comforting Crookedness Crushes Crushing Deceit Deceitful Gentle Gentleness Healed Healing Life Perverseness Perversion Soothing Spirit Therein Tongue Tree Twisted Wholesome WoundJump to Next Breach Breaking Breaks Comforting Crookedness Crushes Crushing Deceit Deceitful Gentle Gentleness Healed Healing Life Perverseness Perversion Soothing Spirit Therein Tongue Tree Twisted Wholesome WoundProverbs 15 1. A gentle answer turns away wrathA soothing tongue is a tree of life The imagery of the "tree of life" is deeply rooted in biblical tradition, first appearing in Genesis 2:9 as a symbol of eternal life and divine blessing. In the context of Proverbs, it represents the life-giving and nurturing power of wise and gentle speech. The "soothing tongue" suggests speech that is healing, encouraging, and constructive, reflecting the wisdom that comes from a heart aligned with God's will. This aligns with James 3:17, which describes wisdom from above as "peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits." The metaphor of the tree of life also points to the restorative power of words, akin to the healing ministry of Jesus, who is often seen as the ultimate embodiment of wisdom and life (John 14:6). but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He compiled these sayings to impart wisdom and understanding. 2. Ancient Israel The cultural and historical context of Proverbs is ancient Israel, where wisdom literature was a key component of teaching and moral instruction. 3. The Tree of Life A symbolic element in biblical literature, representing life, sustenance, and divine blessing. It first appears in the Garden of Eden account in Genesis. Teaching Points The Power of WordsWords have the power to heal or harm. A "soothing tongue" can bring life and encouragement, while a "perverse tongue" can cause deep emotional and spiritual damage. Cultivating a Soothing Tongue Believers are called to cultivate speech that reflects God's love and wisdom. This involves being intentional about speaking truth in love and offering encouragement. Guarding Against a Perverse Tongue It is crucial to be vigilant against speaking deceitfully or harshly. This requires self-control and a heart aligned with God's righteousness. The Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit empowers believers to speak life-giving words. By yielding to the Spirit, Christians can ensure their speech reflects God's character. Impact on Community The way we speak affects not only our personal relationships but also the broader community. A community characterized by "soothing tongues" will be one of peace and mutual edification.(4) A wholesome tongue.--One which heals and soothes by its gentleness and judicious words. (Comp. Proverbs 12:18.) A tree of life.--Comp. Proverbs 3:18; Proverbs 11:30. Perverseness.--Distortion of the truth. (Comp. Proverbs 11:3.) A breach in the spirit--i.e., deeply wounds another's spirit. . . . Verse 4. - A wholesome tongue is a tree of life; a tongue that brings healing, that soothes by its words. Septuagint, "the healing of the tongue." But the Vulgate rendering is better, lingua placabilis, "the gentle, mild tongue" (see on Proverbs 14:30). Speech from such a source refreshes and vivifies all who come under its influence, like the wholesome fruit of a prolific tree (comp. Proverbs 3:18; Proverbs 11:30).Ψυχῆς νοσούσης ἐστὶ φάρμακον λόγος "The sick soul by a healing word is cured." But perverseness therein - in the tongue - is a breach in the spirit. The perverseness intended must be falsehood, perversion of the truth. This is ruin and vexation (Isaiah 65:14, where the same word is used) in the spirit, both in the liar himself, whose higher nature is thus terribly marred and spoiled, and in the case of his neighbour, who is injured by his slander and falsehood to the, very core. The LXX., with a different reading, translates, "But he who keepeth it [the tongue] shall be filled with the spirit." Hebrew A soothingמַרְפֵּ֣א (mar·pê) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4832: Curative, a medicine, a cure, deliverance, placidity tongue לָ֭שׁוֹן (lā·šō·wn) Noun - common singular Strong's 3956: The tongue is a tree עֵ֣ץ (‘êṣ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 6086: Tree, trees, wood of life, חַיִּ֑ים (ḥay·yîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life but a perverse [tongue] וְסֶ֥לֶף (wə·se·lep̄) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5558: Crookedness, crooked dealing crushes שֶׁ֣בֶר (še·ḇer) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7667: A breaking, fracture, crushing, breach, crash the spirit. בְּרֽוּחַ׃ (bə·rū·aḥ) Preposition-b | Noun - common singular Strong's 7307: Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit Links Proverbs 15:4 NIVProverbs 15:4 NLT Proverbs 15:4 ESV Proverbs 15:4 NASB Proverbs 15:4 KJV Proverbs 15:4 BibleApps.com Proverbs 15:4 Biblia Paralela Proverbs 15:4 Chinese Bible Proverbs 15:4 French Bible Proverbs 15:4 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Proverbs 15:4 A gentle tongue is a tree (Prov. 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