Proverbs 12:14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompense of a man's hands shall be rendered to him. The language of keen irritation, reproach, invective and scorn, often inflicts wounds on the heart that are deep and hard of cure — wounds "like the piercings of a sword." This is especially the case when the words are from the lips of a friend, or of one we love, when heated by sudden passion. Wit, too, when not chastened and controlled by an amiable disposition, often wounds deeply. Jibes, jests, irony, raillery, and sarcasm, fly about. No matter what the wounds, or where they be inflicted, if the wit be but shown. A happy hit, a clever, biting repartee, will not be suppressed for the sake of the feelings, or even the character, of a neighbour, or, as it may happen, of a friend The man of wit must have his joke, cost what it may. The point may be piercing in the extreme; but if it glitters, it is enough; to the heart it will go. Such a man is feared, hated, avoided. (R. Wardlaw.) Parallel Verses KJV: A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him. |
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