Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version From the fruit of their lips people enjoy good things, but the unfaithful have an appetite for violence. New Living Translation Wise words will win you a good meal, but treacherous people have an appetite for violence. English Standard Version From the fruit of his mouth a man eats what is good, but the desire of the treacherous is for violence. Berean Standard Bible From the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good things, but the desire of the faithless is violence. King James Bible A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence. New King James Version A man shall eat well by the fruit of his mouth, But the soul of the unfaithful feeds on violence. New American Standard Bible From the fruit of a person’s mouth he enjoys good, But the desire of the treacherous is violence. NASB 1995 From the fruit of a man’s mouth he enjoys good, But the desire of the treacherous is violence. NASB 1977 From the fruit of a man’s mouth he enjoys good, But the desire of the treacherous is violence. Legacy Standard Bible From the fruit of a man’s mouth he eats what is good, But the soul of the treacherous desires violence. Amplified Bible From the fruit of his mouth a [wise] man enjoys good, But the desire of the treacherous is for violence. Christian Standard Bible From the fruit of his mouth, a person will enjoy good things, but treacherous people have an appetite for violence. Holman Christian Standard Bible From the words of his mouth, a man will enjoy good things, but treacherous people have an appetite for violence. American Standard Version A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth; But the soul of the treacherous shall eat violence. Contemporary English Version You will be well rewarded for saying something kind, but all some people think about is how to be cruel and mean. English Revised Version A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the treacherous shall eat violence. GOD'S WORD® Translation A person eats well as a result of his speaking ability, but the appetite of treacherous people [craves] violence. Good News Translation Good people will be rewarded for what they say, but those who are deceitful are hungry for violence. International Standard Version From the fruit of his words a man receives benefit, but the treacherous crave violence. NET Bible From the fruit of his speech a person eats good things, but the faithless desire the fruit of violence. New Heart English Bible By the fruit of his lips, a man enjoys good things; but the unfaithful crave violence. Webster's Bible Translation A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleFrom the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good things, but the desire of the faithless is violence. World English Bible By the fruit of his lips, a man enjoys good things, but the unfaithful crave violence. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionA man eats good from the fruit of the mouth, "" And the soul of the treacherous—violence. Young's Literal Translation From the fruit of the mouth a man eateth good, And the soul of the treacherous -- violence. Smith's Literal Translation From the fruit of a man's mouth he shall eat good: and the soul of the transgressing, violence. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleOf the fruit of his own mouth shall a man be filled with good things: but the soul of transgressors is wicked. Catholic Public Domain Version From the fruit of his own month, a man shall be satisfied with good things. But the soul of betrayers is iniquity. New American Bible From the fruit of the mouth one enjoys good things, but from the throat of the treacherous comes violence. New Revised Standard Version From the fruit of their words good persons eat good things, but the desire of the treacherous is for wrongdoing. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleA good man shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; but the souls of the wicked shall perish. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated A good man will be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth and the souls of the evil will be destroyed. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917A man shall eat good from the fruit of his mouth; But the desire of the faithless is violence. Brenton Septuagint Translation A good man shall eat of the fruits of righteousness: but the lives of transgressors shall perish before their time. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context A Father's Discipline1A wise son heeds his father’s discipline, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke. 2From the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good things, but the desire of the faithless is violence. 3He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.… Cross References Proverbs 12:14 By fruitful speech a man is filled with good things, and the work of his hands returns to him. Proverbs 18:20-21 From the fruit of his mouth a man’s belly is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied. / Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Matthew 12:36-37 But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. / For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” James 3:2-6 We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body. / When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal. / Consider ships as well. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot is inclined. ... Proverbs 15:23 A man takes joy in a fitting reply—and how good is a timely word! Proverbs 21:23 He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress. Ephesians 4:29 Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen. Proverbs 10:11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. Proverbs 10:31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out. Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise. Proverbs 16:24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. 1 Peter 3:10 For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. Proverbs 14:3 The proud speech of a fool brings a rod to his back, but the lips of the wise protect them. Treasury of Scripture A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence. eat Proverbs 12:14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him. Proverbs 18:20 A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. the soul Proverbs 1:11-13,18,31 If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause: … Proverbs 4:17 For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. Proverbs 10:11 The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked. Jump to Previous Acts Crave Craving Desire Eat Eateth Eats Enjoys Faithless Fruit Good Lips Mouth Soul Transgressors Treacherous Unfaithful Violence ViolentJump to Next Acts Crave Craving Desire Eat Eateth Eats Enjoys Faithless Fruit Good Lips Mouth Soul Transgressors Treacherous Unfaithful Violence ViolentProverbs 13 1. a scoffer does not listen to rebukeFrom the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good things This phrase emphasizes the power of words and speech. In biblical context, the "fruit of his lips" suggests that what a person speaks can lead to tangible outcomes, much like how a tree bears fruit. Proverbs often highlights the importance of wise and righteous speech (Proverbs 12:14, Proverbs 18:20-21). The idea is that words can produce positive results, such as peace, prosperity, and favor. In the New Testament, James 3:5-6 discusses the power of the tongue, reinforcing the idea that speech can have significant consequences. The "good things" enjoyed by a man can be seen as blessings or rewards that come from speaking truthfully and wisely, aligning with the biblical principle that righteousness leads to life and prosperity (Proverbs 10:11). but the desire of the faithless is violence Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His proverbs often provide practical guidance for living a life that honors God. 2. The Wise Man Represents those who speak wisely and righteously, leading to positive outcomes and blessings in their lives. 3. The Faithless Refers to individuals who lack faith and integrity, often leading to destructive desires and actions. 4. The Fruit of the Lips A metaphor for the words and speech of a person, indicating that what one says can lead to either positive or negative consequences. 5. Violence Represents the destructive outcomes and chaos that result from the desires and actions of the faithless. Teaching Points The Power of WordsOur words have the power to build up or tear down. Speaking wisely and righteously can lead to blessings and positive outcomes in our lives. The Consequences of Faithlessness A lack of faith and integrity often leads to destructive desires and actions. We must guard our hearts and align our desires with God's will. Cultivating Righteous Speech As believers, we should strive to speak words that reflect our faith and bring glory to God. This involves being intentional about our speech and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Importance of Integrity Living a life of integrity involves aligning our words and actions with God's truth. This leads to a life that is fruitful and pleasing to God. Accountability for Our Words We will be held accountable for the words we speak. It is crucial to be mindful of our speech and ensure it reflects our commitment to Christ. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Proverbs 13:2?2. How can we apply "fruit of his lips" in daily conversations? 3. What does Proverbs 13:2 teach about the power of our words? 4. How does Proverbs 13:2 connect with James 3:5-6 on speech? 5. In what ways can we avoid "craving violence" in our interactions? 6. How can Proverbs 13:2 guide us in promoting peace and righteousness? 7. How does Proverbs 13:2 relate to the concept of divine justice? 8. What does Proverbs 13:2 suggest about the consequences of one's words? 9. How does Proverbs 13:2 align with the broader theme of wisdom in Proverbs? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 13? 11. Should those who refuse to work be allowed to eat? 12. What does the Bible teach about controlling speech? 13. What defines being spiritually minded? 14. What does 'winning souls is wise' mean? What Does Proverbs 13:2 Mean From the fruit of his lips• “From the fruit of his lips” paints speech as a fruitful tree—words carry seeds that grow outcomes. • Scripture consistently links wise speech with blessing: “The tongue of the righteous is choice silver” (Proverbs 10:20), “A gentle answer turns away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1). • Jesus affirms this principle: “For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). Good words sprout from a heart grounded in God’s truth, producing life-giving fruit. A man enjoys good things • Right words yield tangible and relational benefits. – Peaceful relationships (Proverbs 16:24). – Favor with God and people (Proverbs 3:3-4). – Personal satisfaction: “Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from trouble” (Proverbs 21:23). • “Enjoys” underscores that blessing is not merely abstract; righteous speech often brings practical provision, encouragement, and joy. But the desire • A sharp contrast—speech versus desire. Words flow from the heart; desires expose what rules the heart (James 1:14-15). • When a person treasures evil, even silent longings bend toward harm. Luke 6:45 reminds us that evil stored inside erupts in evil outside. Of the faithless • “Faithless” refers to those who reject covenant loyalty to God. Their unbelief divorces them from wisdom’s source (Psalm 14:1). • Without fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7), their inner cravings wheel toward selfish gain and disregard for others. Is violence • Violence here is both outcome and appetite. What begins as corrupt desire becomes destructive action (Proverbs 4:16-17). • Cain’s story illustrates the progression: desire—envy—murder (Genesis 4:5-8). • New Testament echoes: “Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice” (James 3:16). • God warns that unchecked sinful desire wounds the speaker and those around him (Proverbs 11:19). summary Righteous words spring from hearts aligned with God and yield tangible blessings; corrupt desires in unbelieving hearts ferment into violence. Proverbs 13:2 calls us to cultivate godly speech rooted in faith, knowing that what fills our mouths foretells the harvest we and others will reap. (2) A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth.--See above on Proverbs 12:14.Shall eat violence.--Comp. Proverbs 1:31; Proverbs 26:6. Verse 2. - A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth (Proverbs 12:14; Proverbs 18:20). By his kindly speech and wise counsels he shall gain the good will of his neighbours and the blessing of God. Schultens observes that the word rendered "good" (tob) means what is pleasant to taste and smell, while that translated "violence" (chamas) signifies literally what is crude and unripe. The soul of the transgressors shall eat violence (Proverbs 1:31). The Authorized Version introduces the verb from the first clause unnecessarily. The meaning of this rendering is that sinners, especially the treacherous, bring on themselves retribution; the injuries which they devise against others recoil on their own heads (Proverbs 10:6). The Hebrew is, "The soul (i.e. the desire, or delight) of the perfidious (is) violence." Such men have only one thing at heart, viz. to wrong their neighbour, and to increase their own property by any, even nefarious, precedings. Septuagint, "Of the fruits of righteousness the good man shall eat; but the lives of transgressors shall perish untimely."Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew From the fruitמִפְּרִ֣י (mip·pə·rî) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 6529: Fruit of his lips פִי־ (p̄î-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to a man אִ֭ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person will enjoy יֹ֣אכַל (yō·ḵal) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 398: To eat good things, ט֑וֹב (ṭō·wḇ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good but the desire וְנֶ֖פֶשׁ (wə·ne·p̄eš) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion of the faithless בֹּגְדִ֣ים (bō·ḡə·ḏîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 898: To cover, to act covertly, to pillage is violence. חָמָֽס׃ (ḥā·mās) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2555: Violence, wrong, by meton, unjust gain Links Proverbs 13:2 NIVProverbs 13:2 NLT Proverbs 13:2 ESV Proverbs 13:2 NASB Proverbs 13:2 KJV Proverbs 13:2 BibleApps.com Proverbs 13:2 Biblia Paralela Proverbs 13:2 Chinese Bible Proverbs 13:2 French Bible Proverbs 13:2 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Proverbs 13:2 By the fruit of his lips (Prov. 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