What is the meaning of Proverbs 18:20? From the fruit of his mouth “From the fruit of his mouth…” (Proverbs 18:20) pictures words as seeds that grow into tangible results. • Proverbs 12:14 echoes this: “From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things,” reminding us that speech is productive ground. • Jesus affirms the same principle in Matthew 12:37—“For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” • James 3:9–10 shows how blessing or cursing flow from the same tongue, underscoring the power resident in speech. Taken literally, Scripture is telling us that what we say today becomes the “fruit” we will inevitably taste tomorrow. a man’s belly is filled The proverb moves from sowing words to experiencing inward fullness: “a man’s belly is filled.” • Proverbs 13:2 notes, “From the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good things,” tying satisfaction directly to righteous speech. • Psalm 103:5 celebrates the Lord “who satisfies you with good things,” showing that God uses many channels—one primary channel being our own words—to meet needs. Positive, faith-filled speech nourishes more than the body; it strengthens spirit and soul. with the harvest from his lips The verse then calls our words a “harvest,” pointing to a complete cycle—planting, growth, reaping. • Galatians 6:7–8 warns, “Whatever a man sows, he will reap,” applying the principle universally, including the verbal realm. • Hosea 10:12 urges, “Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of loving devotion,” proving that God intends good harvests when righteous words are sown. Every conversation is a field; every sentence is seed. Season after season, we gather what our lips have planted. he is satisfied Finally, “he is satisfied.” Satisfaction is the promised outcome for those who steward their tongues wisely. • Proverbs 14:14 states, “A good man receives a reward for his ways,” linking moral conduct—including speech—to a contented heart. • Luke 6:45 shows that “The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart,” revealing that inner abundance and outward speech move together. In God’s design, wholesome words return to us as deep, enduring fulfillment. summary Proverbs 18:20 teaches a simple, literal truth: our words are seeds that become the food we eventually eat. Speak life, blessing, truth, and gratitude, and God promises a harvest of inward satisfaction and tangible good. Speak carelessly, and emptiness follows. The verse calls us to guard the tongue, trusting that the Lord will fill us fully through the very words we choose today. |
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