Proverbs 18:20

From the fruit of his mouth a man's belly is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.

Study Bible

From the fruit of his mouth
The phrase "fruit of his mouth" suggests that our words are like seeds that bear fruit. In Hebrew, the word for "fruit" is "peri," which implies produce or outcome. This metaphor indicates that what we speak can lead to tangible results in our lives. In a historical context, fruit was a symbol of prosperity and blessing in ancient Israel. Thus, the words we speak can lead to spiritual and emotional nourishment, much like how fruit provides physical sustenance.

a man's belly is filled
The "belly" in Hebrew is "beten," often used metaphorically to represent the innermost part of a person, including desires and needs. This suggests that our words have the power to satisfy our deepest needs and desires. In a scriptural context, this aligns with the idea that wise and righteous speech can lead to personal fulfillment and contentment, as seen throughout the wisdom literature of the Bible.

with the harvest from his lips
The term "harvest" in Hebrew is "tevuah," which refers to the yield or produce of the land. This implies that our words can produce a "harvest," or a return, much like the agricultural cycles familiar to the original audience. The imagery of a harvest suggests abundance and reward, indicating that careful and wise speech can lead to a bountiful return in relationships and personal well-being.

he is satisfied
The word "satisfied" in Hebrew is "sava," meaning to be filled or to have enough. This denotes a state of contentment and fulfillment. In the biblical context, satisfaction is often linked to God's provision and blessing. Thus, this phrase suggests that when our speech is wise and aligned with God's principles, it leads to a deep sense of satisfaction and peace, reflecting the divine order and blessing in our lives.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
- Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom.

2. Ancient Israel
- The cultural and historical context in which Proverbs was written, emphasizing wisdom and moral teachings.

3. The Wise Man
- A recurring character in Proverbs, representing those who live according to God's wisdom.

4. The Fool
- Another recurring character in Proverbs, representing those who reject wisdom and live foolishly.

5. The Community
- The audience of Proverbs, including individuals and families seeking to live righteously.

Teaching Points

The Power of Words
Words have the power to build up or tear down. As believers, we are called to use our speech to edify and encourage others.

Sowing and Reaping
Just as a farmer reaps what he sows, our words can bring about positive or negative outcomes in our lives and the lives of others.

Accountability for Speech
We are accountable for the words we speak. It is important to be mindful and intentional with our speech, knowing it reflects our heart.

Satisfaction through Righteous Speech
Speaking truth and wisdom leads to a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction, as it aligns with God's will and purpose.

Cultivating a Heart of Wisdom
To produce good fruit from our lips, we must cultivate a heart filled with God's wisdom and understanding.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of "the fruit of his mouth" in Proverbs 18:20 relate to the idea of sowing and reaping found in Galatians 6:7-8?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our words are a source of satisfaction and not regret, as suggested by Proverbs 18:20?

3. How can the teachings of James 3:5-6 about the tongue help us understand the importance of our speech in daily life?

4. Reflect on a time when your words had a significant impact on someone else. How does this experience relate to the teachings of Proverbs 18:20?

5. What practical steps can we take to align our speech with the wisdom found in Proverbs and other scriptures like Ephesians 4:29?

Connections to Other Scriptures

James 3:5-6
- This passage discusses the power of the tongue, similar to how Proverbs 18:20 emphasizes the impact of one's words.

Matthew 12:36-37
- Jesus speaks about being accountable for every word spoken, aligning with the idea of words bearing fruit.

Proverbs 12:14
- This verse also mentions being satisfied with the fruit of one's words, reinforcing the theme of speech and its consequences.

Galatians 6:7-8
- The principle of sowing and reaping is echoed here, relating to the harvest from one's lips.

Ephesians 4:29
- Encourages speaking words that build up, which can be seen as producing good fruit from one's mouth.