Proverbs 13:2
A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.
Original Language Analysis
פִי
of his mouth
H6310
פִי
of his mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
2 of 8
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 8
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)
ט֑וֹב
good
H2896
ט֑וֹב
good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
5 of 8
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
וְנֶ֖פֶשׁ
but the soul
H5315
וְנֶ֖פֶשׁ
but the soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
Cross References
Proverbs 12:14A 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.Proverbs 18:20A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.Proverbs 10:11The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.Proverbs 1:31Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.Psalms 140:11Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him.Proverbs 4:17For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.
Historical Context
In ancient oral cultures, words carried immense weight. Without written contracts, verbal agreements bound parties legally and morally. False witnesses could condemn the innocent to death (Deuteronomy 19:16-19). Conversely, truthful testimony protected communities. The proverb reflects this reality—speech produces tangible consequences that return to the speaker. Blessing or curse, one eats the fruit of their words.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'fruit' are you currently eating from your words—good from truthful, kind speech or violence from harsh, deceitful words?
- How can you become more intentional about speaking words that minister grace and build others up?
- In what ways does meditating on Christ's words (John 6:63) transform your own speech patterns?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This proverb addresses consequences of speech—both wholesome and violent. "A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth" establishes the principle of verbal harvest. Mipperi pi-ish yokhal tov (מִפְּרִי פִי־אִישׁ יֹאכַל טוֹב, from the fruit of a man's mouth he eats good). Speech produces fruit that one consumes—kind words, truthful testimony, wise counsel return blessing to the speaker.
"But the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence" warns of destructive speech's recoil. Nefesh bogedim chamas (נֶפֶשׁ בֹּגְדִים חָמָס, the soul of traitors—violence). Bogedim (בֹּגְדִים) are treacherous ones, covenant-breakers. Their violent, deceitful speech returns upon them as their own consumption—they eat what they speak.
The proverb teaches that speech is self-fulfilling. Jesus taught: "By thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned" (Matthew 12:37). Those who speak truth, encouragement, and wisdom enjoy the fruit of healthy relationships and clear conscience. Those who speak lies, slander, and cruelty reap distrust, enmity, and damaged relationships. James warns that the tongue can corrupt the whole body (James 3:6). Believers should speak words that minister grace (Ephesians 4:29), knowing they'll give account for every idle word (Matthew 12:36). Christ's words are spirit and life (John 6:63)—following His example produces good fruit.