Words from good people are like a spring of fresh water—they bring life and healing. But the words of those who do wrong hide violence beneath the surface. The Hebrew phrase “fountain of life” is maqor chayyim, which paints a picture of something that continually refreshes and sustains. In contrast, the words of the wicked cover up harm, suggesting that what’s said on the surface might hide something much darker.

This proverb challenges the idea that words are harmless or don’t matter much. In a world where talk is cheap and insults fly easily, it insists that what we say can either help people thrive or quietly do damage.

If you’ve ever felt lifted up by a kind word, or deeply hurt by something someone said, you know this is true. The way we talk to each other can either help people feel alive or leave invisible wounds. Choosing words that build up, even in small ways, can make a real difference in someone’s day.