Sirach 28:17
King James VersionSource notes
“The stroke of the whip maketh marks in the flesh: but the stroke of the tongue breaketh the bones.”
Context
14A backbiting tongue hath disquieted many, and driven them from nation to nation: strong cities hath it pulled down, and overthrown the houses of great men.
15A backbiting tongue hath cast out virtuous women, and deprived them of their labours.
16Whoso hearkeneth unto it shall never find rest, and never dwell quietly.
17The stroke of the whip maketh marks in the flesh: but the stroke of the tongue breaketh the bones.
18Many have fallen by the edge of the sword: but not so many as have fallen by the tongue.
19Well is he that is defended through the venom thereof; who hath not drawn the yoke thereof, nor hath been bound in her bands.
20For the yoke thereof is a yoke of iron, and the bands thereof are bands of brass.