by Bruce Billington

Weekly Devotional 17th of July, 2026

In this session, we will continue to examine Proverbs Chapter 12. This chapter presents a constant contrast between the Wise and the Foolish, and between the Righteous and the Wicked. 

Proverbs 12:17-20 – “He who speaks truth tells what is right, but a false witness, deceit. 18 There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. 19 Truthful lips will be established forever, but a lying tongue is only for a moment. 20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but counsellors of peace have joy.”

Verse 17 is true in any setting, but here it promotes truthful speech in the courtroom. Presumably, the one addressed here is a judge. The witness’s testimony is vital because a life or death is at stake.

The witness's character and integrity affect the verdict and the administration of justice. A true, conscientious witness always declares the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, thereby strengthening the community where this offence occurred. A false witness does the opposite, aiming to mislead and harm others and to undermine righteousness.  

This goes far beyond mere true-or-false statements. A witness is a person who has first-hand knowledge of an event or can testify on the basis of a report they have heard. Such a person is under an obligation to testify, and the life of the accused may well depend on the testimony of a reliable witness.

The ancient society in which this Proverb was written lacked modern, sophisticated scientific methods for establishing forensic evidence, so eyewitness testimony was crucial to uncovering the truth. If perjury was committed (by bringing a false witness), the person responsible, when caught, had to suffer the same punishment they intended for their victim (Deuteronomy 19:16–19). 

Verse 18 is both powerful and frightening. It compares the damage caused by the thoughtless “tongue” to the physical harm inflicted by a lethal sword. A sword is a weapon used in battle to kill. It can cause all sorts of pain and wounds. It then contrasts this with the “tongue” that brings wise speech. This can bring much comfort and healing. Its soothing way brings gentleness and comfort to others, offers support, and exerts a calming influence.

So, if we consider these two issues together, as this Proverb does, we can see that the tongue can produce either life or death, poison, or medicine. Some words can be cutting and killing, like the piercings of a sword. They can grieve the spirits of those to whom they are spoken and cut them to the heart. Slanders, like a sword, wound the reputation of those of whom they are spoken. They can divide and cut the bonds of love and friendship and separate those who have been dearest to each other. 

In contrast, there are words that heal and cure. Considering this, Matthew Henry says, 

The tongue of the wise is health, closing up those wounds which the backbiting tongue had given, making all whole again, restoring peace, and accommodating matters in variance and persuading to reconciliation. Wisdom will find out proper remedies against the mischiefs that are made by detraction and evil speaking.

Although we have looked at the harm words can do, we can always take confidence, as those walking with the Lord, that using our words to glorify God can bring much healing and overcome the significant hurt an evil tongue can cause.

Truth and righteousness will always prevail over the enemy’s ways. Let’s embrace the ways of the Lord in all matters. 

God bless.