Whatever the cause, when faced with an onslaught of derisive remarks, you may agree with the Bible proverb: “There exists the one speaking thoughtlessly as with the stabs of a sword.” (Proverbs 12:18)

An experienced counselor noted: “There exists the one speaking thoughtlessly as with the stabs of a sword, but the tongue of the wise ones is a healing.”—Proverbs 12:18.

He should explain matters in a loving and kindly manner, bearing in mind that the purpose of the interchange is to heal, not to hurt. (Proverbs 12:18; Ephesians 4:25, 26)

Brent’s desire to have fun and to attract attention to himself caused him to disregard other people’s feelings.—Proverbs 12:18.

“There exists the one speaking thoughtlessly as with the stabs of a sword.”—PROVERBS 12:18.

I felt as if someone had stabbed a dagger into my heart.​—Proverbs 12:18.

Although comments like these may be spoken in jest, they may ‘stab like a sword,’ resulting in hurt feelings or embarrassment.​—Proverbs 12:18.

Even if you cannot grant the request, kindly explaining matters will yield better results than a hurtful reply.​—Proverbs 12:18.

It is as Proverbs 12:18 says: “There exists the one speaking thoughtlessly as with the stabs of a sword, but the tongue of the wise ones is a healing.”

Then, he might unwittingly speak thoughtlessly “as with the stabs of a sword.” (Proverbs 12:18)

Avoid flying off the handle and “speaking thoughtlessly as with the stabs of a sword.” (Proverbs 12:18)

Since all of us are imperfect and “stumble in word,” at times we may ‘speak thoughtlessly as with the stabs of a sword.’ (James 3:2; Proverbs 12:18)

The Bible is thus accurate when it compares the effects of hurtful speech to “the stabs of a sword.”​—Proverbs 12:18.

He knew that the Bible said, “The tongue of the wise ones is a healing.” (Proverbs 12:18; 15:1)

By carefully listening and by being well prepared, these men will be able to “speak consolingly to the depressed souls.”b​—1 Thessalonians 5:14; Proverbs 12:18.

On the contrary, his thoughtless remark ‘stabbed like a sword,’ producing a fiery response. (Proverbs 12:18)

Discerning the need, however, is only the first step.​—Proverbs 12:18; 18:19.

They may mean well, but to the grieving parent words to the effect that the lost child can be replaced can ‘stab like a sword.’ (Proverbs 12:18)

Solomon once said: “There exists the one speaking thoughtlessly as with the stabs of a sword.” (Proverbs 12:18)

Yes, gracious conversation will never unnecessarily hurt another person’s feelings or undermine dignity.​—Proverbs 12:18, The Jerusalem Bible; Colossians 4:6.

● Hurt over some thoughtless deed or word on my part?​—Proverbs 12:18.

“There exists the one speaking thoughtlessly as with the stabs of a sword, but the tongue of the wise ones is a healing.” (Prov. 12:18)