Proverbs 15:4
The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.
In context
1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. 2 The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. 3 The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good. 4 The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.
5 A fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence. 6 The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings ruin. 7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but the hearts of fools are not upright.
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.
- ESV English Standard Version
— Proverbs 15:4 in the ESV
A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.