Proverbs 18:20

20 From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied.

Proverbs 18:20 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
20 From the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.
New Living Translation (NLT)
20 Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction.
The Message Bible (MSG)
20 Words satisfy the mind as much as fruit does the stomach; good talk is as gratifying as a good harvest.
American Standard Version (ASV)
20 A man's belly shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; With the increase of his lips shall he be satisfied.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
20 A person's speaking ability provides for his stomach. His talking provides him a living.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
20 From the fruit of his mouth a man's stomach is satisfied; he is filled with the product of his lips.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
20 A man can fill his stomach with what he says. The words from his lips can satisfy him.

Proverbs 18:20 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 18:20

A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth,
&c.] With his own words and discourses, when they are prudent, pious, and savoury; when they are with grace, and minister it; they are satisfying to himself, to his own mind and conscience, and to his family; to all within his house, which is, as it were, his belly; but, if otherwise, it will not be profitable nor satisfying to either; and therefore, if a man would keep conscience easy, and be useful to others, he ought to take care what he says; see ( Proverbs 12:14 ) ( 13:2 ) ; [and] with the increase of his lips shall he be filled;
the same thing as before, expressed in different words, alluding to the sowing, of seed in the earth, and the increase of it; as a man sows he reaps, and enjoys the fruits of his labour; according to what a man sows with his lips, such is his harvest he is afterwards a partaker of.

Proverbs 18:20 In-Context

18 Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart.
19 A brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified city; disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.
20 From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied.
21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
22 He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.

Cross References 1

  • 1. S Proverbs 12:14
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