Meaning of the word "a gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit" in English

What does "a gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

a gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit

US /ə ˈdʒɛntəl tʌŋ ɪz ə tri əv laɪf, bʌt pərˈvɜːrsnəs ɪn ɪt breɪks ðə ˈspɪrɪt/
UK /ə ˈdʒɛntəl tʌŋ ɪz ə triː əv laɪf, bʌt pəˈvɜːsnəs ɪn ɪt breɪks ðə ˈspɪrɪt/
"a gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit" picture

Idiom

a biblical proverb meaning that kind and soothing words bring healing and vitality, whereas deceitful or harsh speech causes emotional distress

Example:
Remember that a gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit; try to speak kindly to him.
Her counselor quoted the proverb 'a gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit' to illustrate the power of words.