“Lingua placabilis lignum vitæ ; quæ autem immoderata est conteret spiritum.”
“A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. A wholesome: Heb. The healing of the tongue”
“A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”
“A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but deceit in it crushes the spirit.”
“A gentle tongue is a tree of life; But perverseness therein is a breaking of the spirit.”
Life. This comparison was become proverbial for something very excellent. Immoderate. Hebrew, “perverse.” (Calmet) — Evil discourse kills the souls both of those who speak, and of those who pay attention to it. (Haydock)
Note, 1. A good heart by the tongue becomes very useful. He that has knowledge is not only to enjoy it, for his own entertainment, but to use it, to use it aright, for the edification of others; and it is the tongue that must make use of it in pious profitable discourse, in giving suitable and seasonable instructions, counsels, and comforts, with all possible expressions of humility and love, and then knowledge is used aright; and to him that has, and thus uses what he has, more shall be given. 2. A wicked heart by the tongue becomes very hurtful; for the mouth of fools belches out foolishness, which is very offensive; and the corrupt communication which proceeds from an evil treasure within (the filthiness, and foolish talking, and jesting) corrupts the good manners of some and debauches them, and grieves the good hearts of others and disturbs them.
“And he said: Behold Adam is become as one of us, knowing good and evil: now therefore lest perhaps he put forth his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever.”