Proverbs 15:4
A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
In context
1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. 2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly. 3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. 4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
5 A fool despises his father’s instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is prudent. 6 In the house of the righteous there is much treasure, but trouble befalls the income of the wicked. 7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools.
Compare in other versions
- KJV King James Version
— Proverbs 15:4 in the KJV
A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: But perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
- NIV New International Version
— Proverbs 15:4 in the NIV
The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.