Proverbs 18:20

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 18:20

Note, 1. Our comfort depends very much upon the testimony of our own consciences, for us or against us. The belly is here put for the conscience, as Prov. 20:27. Now it is of great consequence to us whether that be satisfied, and what that is filled with, for, accordingly, will our satisfaction be and our inward peace. 2. The testimony of our consciences will be for us, or against us, according as we have or have not governed our tongues well. According as the fruit of the mouth is good or... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 18:20

A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth ,.... 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... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 18:20

With the fruit of his mouth - Our own words frequently shape our good or evil fortune in life. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 18:17-21

Evils of the tongue and of contention I. THE FOLLY OF HASTE IN DEBATE . ( Proverbs 18:17 .) "One tale is good till another be told." This saw holds good of private life, of lawsuits, of controversies in philosophy and theology. Audi alteram, partem, " Listen to both sides." This is the duty of the judge, or of him who for the time being plays the judicial part. If we are parties in a debate or a suit, then nothing will hold good except to have the "conscience void of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 18:20

With the first clause, comp, Proverbs 12:14 , and with the second, Proverbs 13:2 . A man's belly; i.e. himself, his mind and body, equivalent to shall he be filled, or satisfied, in the second clause. A man must accept the consequences of his words, good or evil. The next verse explains this. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 18:20

Proverbs 18:20. A man’s belly shall be satisfied, &c. Wise and edifying discourses tend to the comfort and satisfaction of the speaker, as well as to the good of the hearers. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 18:1-24

Real strength (18:1-24)When people become too confident in their own opinions, they are liable to break away from former friends. They become unreasonable in discussion and blind to the viewpoints of others. Those who despise others will themselves be disgraced (18:1-3). The words of the wise bring refreshment, but those of a fool or a gossip bring destruction (4-8).Those who leave work undone are almost as bad as those who wreck what already has been done (9). Those who trust in God know they... read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Proverbs 18:20

"A man's belly shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; With the increase of his lips shall he be satisfied."A proposed various reading by Toy has this, "From the fruit of the mouth comes requital to men; the outcome of the lips they must bear."[23] This proverb reminds us of the words of Jesus, "By thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned" (Matthew 12:37). read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Proverbs 18:20

20. (Compare Proverbs 12:14; Proverbs 13:2). Men's words are the fruit, or, increase of his lips, and when good, benefit them. satisfied with—(Compare Proverbs 1:31; Proverbs 14:14). read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Proverbs 18:1-24

3. Friendship and folly ch. 18 read more

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