Proverbs 18:20

“A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth, etc.] 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 <201214>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…”

“(Compare Pro 12:14; Pro 13:2). Men's words are the fruit, or, increase of his lips, and when good, benefit them. satisfied with--(Compare Pro 1:31; Pro 14:14).”

“The general sense is plain. A man must for good or evil take the consequence of his words, as well as his deeds. Compare the marginal reference. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Satisfied - Wise discourses tend to the satisfaction of the speaker, as well as to the good of the hearers. Proverbs 18:21”

“Pro 12:13, Pro 12:14, Pro 13:2, Pro 22:18, Pro 22:21, Pro 25:11, Pro 25:12 Proverbs 18:21”

“With Pro 18:19, the series of proverbs which began with that of the flatterer closes. The catchword אח, which occurred at its commencement, 9b, is repeated at its close, and serves also as a landmark of the group following Pro 18:20-24. The proverb of the breach of friendship and of contentions is followed by one of the reaction of the use of the tongue on the man himself. Pro 18:20 20 Of the fruit which a man's mouth bringeth is his heart satisfied; By the revenue of his lips is he filled. He will taste in rich measure of the consequences not merely of the good ( Pro 12:14, cf. Pro 13:2), but of whatever he has spoken. This is an oxymoron like Mat 15:11, that not that which goeth into the…”