Proverbs 18:20 Meaning and Explanation
“A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A person reaps the consequences—good or bad—of what they speak.
The Context of Proverbs 18:20
Speech returns to the speaker; words are self-feeding.
What Does Proverbs 18:20 Mean?
Belly and lips are metaphors for inner satisfaction and nourishment. A man is satisfied by the fruit of his mouth—he consumes his own words, literally benefits or suffers from what he produces. His speech becomes his own sustenance or poison.
With the increase of his lips he shall be filled—whatever he generates through speaking, he receives back multiplied. If he speaks wisdom, encouragement, truth—he is nourished by their return. If he speaks folly, lies, harshness—he is filled with their bitter fruit.
Proverbs 18:20 in the Original Language
fruit (תְּבוּאַת, tbuot), 'fruit' or 'produce' — what is grown or brought forth as a harvest.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 18:20
What does Proverbs 18:20 mean?
A person reaps the consequences—good or bad—of what they speak.
What is the context of Proverbs 18:20?
Speech returns to the speaker; words are self-feeding.