Proverbs 18:20-21

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

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 18:21

Note, 1. A man may do a great deal of good, or a great deal of hurt, both to others and to himself, according to the use he makes of his tongue. Many a one has been his own death by a foul tongue, or the death of others by a false tongue; and, on the contrary, many a one has saved his own life, or procured the comfort of it, by a prudent gentle tongue, and saved the lives of others by a seasonable testimony or intercession for them. And, if by our words we must be justified or condemned, death... 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

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 18:21

Death and life are in the power of the tongue ,.... Of witnesses, according to the testimony they bear; of judges, according to the sentence they pass; of teachers, according to the doctrine they preach; of all men, who, by their well or ill speaking, bring death or life to themselves and others. Some, by their tongues, by the too free use of them, or falsehood they utter, are the cause of death to themselves and others; and some, by their silence, or by their prudent speech and prevalent... 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

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 18:21

Death and life are in the power of the tongue - This may apply to all men. Many have lost their lives by their tongue, and some have saved their lives by it: but it applies most forcibly to public pleaders; on many of their tongues hangs life or death. 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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 18:21

Death and life are in the power of the tongue; literally, in the hand of the tongue. The tongue, according as it is used, deals forth life or death; for speech is the picture of the mind (comp. Proverbs 12:18 ; Proverbs 26:28 ). The vast importance of our words may be learned from James 3:1-18 .; and our blessed Lord says expressly ( Matthew 12:36 , etc.), "Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be... 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

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