September 15, 2026

Business by the Book

Proverbs 12:18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.

There is written communication and non-verbal communication, but by far the most utilized form of communication in business is verbal communication. In Scripture the word tongue is used 126 times, speak 484 times, spoken 280 times, and speaketh 66 times; those four words total 956 usages. To compare, the word love is only used 281 times. Therefore, what we speak is vitally important.

Smart business people will learn to use their speech effectively. The above verse is almost humorous in the way it relates the various ways speech is used. It’s humorous because it solicits memories of people who speak in such a way as to stab the one being spoken to. This is a funny word picture. Imagine a sword coming out of someone’s mouth and piercing the person to whom they are speaking. It happens, more than we would like to admit.

My wife once read that before leaving home in the morning for work a person is exponentially safer if someone tells them they love them. Those simple three words, “I love you,” help to keep others safe. If those words are coupled with a goodbye kiss the person leaving for work, statistically, has their potential for safety nearly doubled.

There is power in words. Use them skillfully, for that which you say will bring either health or piercings. Which do you desire?

Dr. William Howe