It is easy to fall into scolding a congregation, using what this proverb calls a harsh, bitter, rough or grievous tongue. Much better to use soft and soothing words, ones that are wholesome and healing not to ingratiate oneself with a congregation but in order to win them over - in order to be a tree of life This is the fourth and final time Proverbs uses the phrase tree of life (see 3:18, 11:30, 13:12). It is referred to wisdom and understanding, the fruit of righteousness and to a longing fulfilled.If we can speak of these things in a winning way, what good may result. Proverbs 12:18 and 16:24 are similar - The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing and Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. In Matthew Henry's words a healing tongue is "healing to wounded consciences by comforting them, to sin-sick souls by convincing them" and, we may add, healing to despairing hearts by pointing them to the Saviour. Our preaching should not be harsh but we should speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15)
Preaching on Psalm 103:13, 14 Spurgeon once said
The drift of this lesson, is this - s your heavenly Father has pity on you, have pity on one another. He remembers that we are dust; remember this of others. You, who live in the same house, do not fall out with each other. You, who are members of the same church, do not criticise and judge each other so severely ... Preacher, mind you learn your own lesson - be as tender towards those who sin as the Master was.
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