Proverbs 12:14
A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.
Original Language Analysis
פִי
of his mouth
H6310
פִי
of his mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
2 of 10
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
אִ֭ישׁ
A man
H376
אִ֭ישׁ
A man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
3 of 10
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
יִשְׂבַּע
shall be satisfied
H7646
יִשְׂבַּע
shall be satisfied
Strong's:
H7646
Word #:
4 of 10
to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)
ט֑וֹב
with good
H2896
ט֑וֹב
with good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
5 of 10
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
וּגְמ֥וּל
and the recompence
H1576
וּגְמ֥וּל
and the recompence
Strong's:
H1576
Word #:
6 of 10
treatment, i.e., an act (of good or ill); by implication, service or requital
יְדֵי
hands
H3027
יְדֵי
hands
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
7 of 10
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
אָ֝דָ֗ם
of a man's
H120
אָ֝דָ֗ם
of a man's
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
8 of 10
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
Cross References
Proverbs 13:2A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.Psalms 63:5My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips:Proverbs 15:23A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!Matthew 16:27For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.Hebrews 2:2For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;Hebrews 11:26Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.
Historical Context
Reflects the principle of moral causality - actions produce corresponding consequences. Ancient wisdom recognized that speech and labor both determine one's welfare.
Questions for Reflection
- What fruit is your mouth currently producing - good or evil?
- How do your hands' labor contribute to your satisfaction or dissatisfaction?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth, and the recompense of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him. Both speech and labor produce fitting results - good words bring good consequences; faithful work brings appropriate reward. The verse promises that both verbal and manual labor receive fitting recompense. What proceeds from mouth and hands returns to their source.