Proverbs 18:20 Meaning and Commentary
Proverbs 18:20
“From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied.”
Proverbs 18:20 Meaning
Proverbs 18:20 highlights the power of our words and the impact they have on our lives and the lives of others. It speaks about the consequences of the words we speak and emphasizes that the words we choose can either bring fulfillment and satisfaction or cause harm and destruction.
Proverbs 18:20 Commentary and Explanation
Proverbs 18:20 is a powerful verse that invites us to reflect on the impact of our words and our attitudes towards others. It underscores the significance of the words we speak and how they can shape our lives. This Verse suggests that the words we use can be like fruit that nourishes our inner being. In other words, our words have the power to affect our emotional and spiritual well-being. Just as we need physical food to sustain our bodies, our souls require nourishment as well, and this nourishment can come from the words we choose to speak.
When we speak words of kindness, encouragement, and love, we not only build up others but also fill our own hearts with positivity and satisfaction. It’s a beautiful cycle where the more we give, the more we receive. This concept aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who said, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38).
Conversely, when we use our words to tear others down, spread negativity, or engage in gossip, it not only harms those we speak about but also poisons our own hearts and minds. Proverbs 18:21 reinforces this idea, stating, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Our tongues have the potential to bring life and blessings or death and curses, depending on how we use them.
Furthermore, we can find guidance in the book of James, which emphasizes the importance of controlling our tongues: “Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark” (James 3:5). Our words, though small in themselves, can have far-reaching consequences.
Ultimately, Proverbs 18:20 reminds us that the words we speak have a profound impact on our lives. They can either nourish our souls and bring satisfaction or poison our hearts and minds. Let us strive to use our words to bless, encourage, and uplift others, knowing that in doing so, we also fill our own hearts with goodness and satisfaction. May we always remember the wisdom of Proverbs 15:4, which states, “The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”
Context of Proverbs 18:20
Proverbs is a book of wisdom literature found in the Old Testament. It contains practical advice and guidance to live a righteous and fulfilling life. Proverbs 18:20 is part of a collection of proverbs that address various aspects of human communication. This particular verse highlights the significance of our words and the consequences they carry.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Proverbs 18:20
“From the fruit of their mouth”: Our words are compared to the fruit that a tree bears. Just as fruit nourishes our physical bodies, the words we speak can nourish our souls.
“A person’s stomach is filled”: This metaphorical language suggests that our words have the ability to satisfy our innermost longings and desires.
“With the harvest of their lips they are satisfied”: The harvest of our lips refers to the outcomes of our words. When we speak positive and uplifting words, we reap satisfaction and fulfillment.
Lessons from Proverbs 18:20
The words we speak have consequences: We should be mindful of the impact our words can have on ourselves and others. Our words can either bring fulfillment and satisfaction or cause harm and destruction.
Choose words that bring life: Let us intentionally choose to speak words that build up, encourage, and bring joy to those around us. By doing so, we not only bless others but also cultivate a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment in our own lives.
Take responsibility for our speech: We should recognize that our words are a reflection of our hearts. Proverbs 4:23 reminds us to guard our hearts, for out of them flow the issues of life. By guarding our hearts, we can ensure that our words align with love, truth, and righteousness.
Biblical Translations of proverbs 18:20
Proverbs 18:20 King James Version (KJV)
“A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.”
Proverbs 18:20 English Standard Version (ESV)
“From the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.”
Proverbs 18:20 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
“With the fruit of a person’s mouth his stomach will be satisfied; he will be satisfied with the product of his lips.”
Proverbs 18:20 New Living Translation (NLT)
“Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction.”
Proverbs 18:20 Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
“A person’s belly is filled with the harvest of his mouth; with the produce of his lips he is satisfied.”
Proverbs 18:20 The Message (MSG)
“Words satisfy the mind as much as fruit does the stomach; good talk is as gratifying as a good harvest.”
Final Thoughts
Proverbs 18:20 serves as a reminder of the power of our words. It prompts us to examine the impact our words have on ourselves and others. Let us strive to speak words of love, encouragement, and positivity, knowing that they have the ability to bring fulfillment and satisfaction to our lives.
May our words be a source of light and hope in a world that desperately needs them.
