What does Proverbs 18:20 teach about the power of our speech? Setting the Verse in Context Proverbs 18:20: “From the fruit of his mouth a man’s stomach is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.” This single proverb sits amid a cluster of sayings (vv. 19–21) that all revolve around the tongue. Here Solomon connects our words directly to personal “satisfaction” or “filling,” emphasizing that speech is never empty—what we say always produces something we will eventually taste. Key Observations • “Fruit of his mouth” – our words are likened to produce from a tree. Just as a tree cannot help but bear fruit consistent with its nature, our mouths inevitably reveal our inner character (cf. Luke 6:45). • “Stomach is filled” – speech feeds the speaker first. We consume the consequences before anyone else does, for better or worse. • “Harvest from his lips” – words are seeds that grow into a crop. They take time to mature, but the reaping is sure (Galatians 6:7–8). • “Is satisfied” – the proverb assumes we desire fulfillment. God’s design is that righteous, wise speech leads to true satisfaction, whereas careless words bring emptiness or pain (Proverbs 12:14). What Our Speech Produces 1. Nourishment or toxicity for ourselves – Gracious words are “honeycomb, sweet to the soul” (Proverbs 16:24). – Bitter, complaining speech corrodes the spirit (James 3:6). 2. Edification or destruction in others – “Life and death are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21). – “Encourage one another daily” (Hebrews 3:13). 3. Witness or reproach before God – “By your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:37). 4. Ongoing consequences – Words once sown cannot be unsaid; they bear fruit in relationships, reputations, and even eternal reward (Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 4:6). Practical Takeaways for Today • Cultivate speech at the root level—fill the heart with Scripture and gratitude so that wholesome words flow naturally. • Pause and preview—before speaking, ask: What fruit will this produce in me and others? • Replace unwholesome talk with blessing—train yourself to answer irritations with gentle, truth-filled words (1 Peter 3:9). • Feed on your own words—read your texts, emails, and posts aloud; if you wouldn’t want to dine on them, neither will anyone else. • Keep sowing good seed—consistent, Christ-honoring speech accumulates a rich harvest of peace and joy (James 3:17–18). Supporting Scriptures • Proverbs 12:14—“From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things.” • Proverbs 13:2—“From the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good things.” • Ephesians 4:29—“Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need.” • James 3:9–10—With the tongue “we bless our Lord… and with it we curse men… this should not be!” Conclusion: A Call to Intentional Words Proverbs 18:20 teaches that every sentence we utter is a seed destined to become our own meal. In God’s economy words never evaporate; they germinate. Therefore, let us steward our speech as carefully as a farmer tends his fields, sowing truth, grace, and life so that we—and those around us—may feast on a harvest that honors the Lord. |
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