Proverbs 13:2 Meaning and Explanation
“A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Words have consequences: good speech produces good fruit, while sin leads to destruction.
The Context of Proverbs 13:2
Extends the theme of how personal choices bear fruit in one's own life.
What Does Proverbs 13:2 Mean?
The mouth produces fruit that nourishes or harms. A person who speaks wisely, truthfully, and kindly creates a favorable environment that sustains them with 'good'—prosperity, relationships, and peace. Speech is not neutral; it shapes reality and returns to the speaker.
Transgressors, by contrast, devour violence—they reap the bitter harvest of their own destructive words and actions. This is not arbitrary punishment but natural consequence: harsh words damage relationships, lies undermine trust, and sin breeds its own ruin.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 13:2
What does Proverbs 13:2 mean?
Words have consequences: good speech produces good fruit, while sin leads to destruction.
What is the context of Proverbs 13:2?
Extends the theme of how personal choices bear fruit in one's own life.