proverb · Words worth keeping
A bad wound heals, but a bad word doesn’t.
A bad wound heals, but a bad word doesn’t.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
A wound healing while a bad word does not contrasts bodily injury with the persistence of hurtful speech. The saying gives words an enduring consequence in its image.
Example
Someone acknowledges the effect of an insult and works to repair it without predicting how long the hurt will last.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
A responsible reading does not promise physical recovery or declare emotional harm permanent. It is a contrast, not a clinical account. A useful application takes spoken harm seriously while leaving room for support, correction and repair rather than assuming an apology or healing is impossible.
When to use it
Use it to recognise speech’s consequences with recovery and repair possible.
Keep in mind
No medical outcome or permanent psychological injury is established.
An interpretation of the words, not a claim about their earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
Afghanistan
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin.- Historical period
- Date unknown
- Culture
- Afghanistan