Proverbs 13:2
Proverbs 13:2 in Multiple Translations
From the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good things, but the desire of the faithless is violence.
A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.
A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth; But the soul of the treacherous shall eat violence.
A man will get good from the fruit of his lips, but the desire of the false is for violent acts.
You'll be rewarded for saying good things, but dishonest people want violence.
A man shall eate good things by the fruite of his mouth: but the soule of the trespassers shall suffer violence.
From the fruit of the mouth a man eateth good, And the soul of the treacherous — violence.
By the fruit of his lips, a man enjoys good things, but the unfaithful crave violence.
A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.
Of the fruit of his own mouth shall a man be filled with good things: but the soul of transgressors is wicked.
Good people are rewarded [IDM] for the good things [MET] that they say, but those who desire to deceive others are very eager to act violently.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 13:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 13:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מִ/פְּרִ֣י
פִי
אִ֭ישׁ
יֹ֣אכַל
ט֑וֹב
וְ/נֶ֖פֶשׁ
בֹּגְדִ֣ים
חָמָֽס
מִ/פְּרִ֣י
pᵉrîy
H6529
fruit
Prep | N-ms
פִי
peh
H6310
lip
N-ms
אִ֭ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
יֹ֣אכַל
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
ט֑וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
וְ/נֶ֖פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
soul
Conj | N-cs
בֹּגְדִ֣ים
bâgad
H898
to act treacherously
V-Qal
חָמָֽס
châmâç
H2555
violence
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 13:2
מִ/פְּרִ֣י
pᵉrîy
H6529
"fruit"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this word means the fruit that comes from the ground or from our actions. It is used in many books, including Genesis and Isaiah, to describe the results of our labor or the consequences of our choices.
Definition: 1) fruit 1a) fruit, produce (of the ground) 1b) fruit, offspring, children, progeny (of the womb) 1c) fruit (of actions) (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: bough, (first-)fruit(-ful), reward. See also: Genesis 1:11; Proverbs 18:20; Psalms 1:3.
פִי
peh
H6310
"lip"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
אִ֭ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
יֹ֣אכַל
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
ט֑וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
וְ/נֶ֖פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
Conj | N-cs
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
בֹּגְדִ֣ים
bâgad
H898
"to act treacherously"
V-Qal
To act treacherously means to be deceitful or unfaithful, as seen in Job 31:27-28, where Job denies acting treacherously. It involves covering or hiding one's true intentions, often to pillage or offend others.
Definition: 1) to act treacherously, deceitfully, deal treacherously 1a) (Qal) to act or deal treacherously, faithlessly, deceitfully, offend
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: deal deceitfully (treacherously, unfaithfully), offend, transgress(-or), (depart), treacherous (dealer, -ly, man), unfaithful(-ly, man), [idiom] very. See also: Exodus 21:8; Isaiah 24:16; Psalms 25:3.
חָמָֽס
châmâç
H2555
"violence"
N-ms
This word describes violence, injustice, or cruelty, often referring to unfair treatment of others. In Isaiah and Jeremiah, it condemns oppressive behaviors, highlighting the need for justice and fairness. It involves wrongdoing and harm to others.
Definition: violence, wrong, cruelty, injustice
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: cruel(-ty), damage, false, injustice, [idiom] oppressor, unrighteous, violence (against, done), violent (dealing), wrong. See also: Genesis 6:11; Proverbs 10:11; Psalms 7:17.
Study Notes — Proverbs 13:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 13:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 13:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 13:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 13:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 13:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 13:2
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 13:2
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 13:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 13:2
- Sermons on Proverbs 13:2
Context — A Father’s Discipline
1A wise son heeds his father’s discipline, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke.
2From the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good things, but the desire of the faithless is violence.
3He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin. 4The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 12:14 | By fruitful speech a man is filled with good things, and the work of his hands returns to him. |
| 2 | Proverbs 18:20 | From the fruit of his mouth a man’s belly is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied. |
| 3 | Proverbs 10:11 | The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. |
| 4 | Proverbs 1:31 | So they will eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. |
| 5 | Psalms 140:11 | May no slanderer be established in the land; may calamity hunt down the man of violence. |
| 6 | Habakkuk 2:8 | Because you have plundered many nations, the remnant of the people will plunder you— because of your bloodshed against man and your violence against the land, the city, and all their dwellers. |
| 7 | Psalms 75:8 | For a cup is in the hand of the LORD, full of foaming wine mixed with spices. He pours from His cup, and all the wicked of the earth drink it down to the dregs. |
| 8 | Proverbs 1:11–13 | If they say, “Come along, let us lie in wait for blood, let us ambush the innocent without cause, let us swallow them alive like Sheol, and whole like those descending into the Pit. We will find all manner of precious goods; we will fill our houses with plunder. |
| 9 | Habakkuk 2:17 | For your violence against Lebanon will overwhelm you, and the destruction of animals will terrify you, because of your bloodshed against men and your violence against the land, the city, and all their dwellers. |
| 10 | Proverbs 4:17 | For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence. |
Proverbs 13:2 Summary
[This verse teaches us that the words we speak have the power to bring us joy and blessings, or to bring harm and violence. When we speak kind and gentle words, we can experience good things and build others up, as seen in Proverbs 12:14 and Proverbs 18:21. On the other hand, when we speak harsh or hurtful words, we can cause harm and destruction. As believers, we should strive to speak life-giving words and to guard our mouths, so that we can protect our lives and bring glory to God.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'enjoy good things' from the fruit of our lips?
This phrase suggests that the words we speak have the power to bring us joy and blessings, as seen in Proverbs 12:14, where it says that the work of a man's hands will reward him, and in Proverbs 18:21, which states that life and death are in the power of the tongue.
Who are the 'faithless' mentioned in this verse?
The 'faithless' refer to those who do not trust in God or His ways, as seen in Psalm 36:1, which describes the wicked as having no fear of God before their eyes, and in Romans 3:18, which says that there is no fear of God before their eyes.
What is the 'desire of the faithless' for violence?
The desire for violence among the faithless can be seen in the context of Proverbs 10:6, which says that blessings are on the head of the righteous, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked, and in Proverbs 1:16, which describes the wicked as swift to shed blood.
How can we, as believers, apply this verse to our own lives?
As believers, we can apply this verse by being mindful of the words we speak and seeking to speak life-giving words, as seen in Ephesians 4:29, which instructs us to speak only what is helpful for building others up, and in Colossians 4:6, which says that our speech should be seasoned with salt, so that we may know how to answer everyone.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that the words I speak can bring joy or harm to myself and others?
- How can I, as a believer, cultivate a heart that desires to speak life-giving words and not violence?
- In what ways can I, in my daily life, choose to speak words that are helpful for building others up, as instructed in Ephesians 4:29?
- What are some practical steps I can take to guard my mouth and protect my life, as mentioned in Proverbs 13:3?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 13:2
A man shall eat good by the fruit of [his] mouth,.... Or, "of the mouth"; either another's or his own, since the word his is not in the text; though it is supplied by the Targum, Aben Ezra, the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 13:2
A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence. A man shall eat good by the fruit of (his) mouth. He shall enjoy the fruit of the good words which he uses (Proverbs 12:14).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 13:2
Shall eat good; shall receive much comfort, and credit, and benefit to himself. By the fruit of his mouth; by his wise and profitable discourses. The soul, i.e. the person, as the soul is oft used. The transgressors; who transgress with their lips, as this general phrase may be restrained from the former clause. Shall eat violence; shall have that violence and injury returned upon themselves, which they have offered to others in word or deed.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 13:2
Proverbs 13:2 A man shall eat good by the fruit of [his] mouth: but the soul of the transgressors [shall eat] violence.Ver. 2. A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth.]
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 13:2
(2) A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth.—See above on Proverbs 12:14. Shall eat violence.—Comp. Proverbs 1:31; Proverbs 26:6.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 13:2
2. Comp. with the first clause of this verse Proverbs 12:14. the soul] i.e. the desire (Proverbs 6:30, and Proverbs 13:4 below), or appetite. His desire is to inflict violence on others; it shall be fed, or satisfied, by violence inflicted on him. This is more forcible and preserves the parallelism better than the desire of the treacherous is for violence, R.V. marg.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 13:2
The fruit of his mouth - Speech rightly used is itself good, and must therefore bring good fruit. Eat violence - i. e., Bring upon itself repayment in kind for its deeds of evil.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 13:2
2. A man shall eat (that is, enjoy,) good, etc. — A man that only speaks what is right and proper shall enjoy the good effects of his wise and upright conduct, but the soul of the transgressors —
Sermons on Proverbs 13:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Open Ears-Closed Mouth by Theodore Epp | Theodore Epp emphasizes the importance of being attentive to the Word of God, as true faith arises from hearing and accepting it. He points out the irony that while all creation ob |
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(The Tongue of a Disciple) the Satan Controlled Tongue by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of wise and thoughtful speech when delivering God's word. He compares preparing a message to preparing a meal for a special gu |
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The Importance of Our Speech by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the critical importance of controlling the tongue and being filled with the Holy Spirit. It highlights how the tongue can either be a source of life or a sou |
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Guidelines for the Godly Man by Eli Brayley | Eli Brayley preaches on the calling of the man of God to live a life of full consecration, obedience, and service unto the Kingdom of God. The purpose of the man of God is to confo |
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The Ninth Degree of Humility by St. Benedict of Nursia | St. Benedict of Nursia preaches on the ninth degree of humility, emphasizing the importance of monks restraining their tongues and practicing silence, only speaking when questioned |
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4 Proofs of the Utter Severity by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for faith and total commitment to God. He shares the example of Daniel Rowland, a preacher from the 18th century who experienced se |
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The Duty of Self-Denial by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches on the duty of self-denial, emphasizing the need for Christians to deny their own righteousness and trust only in Christ's righteousness for salvation. He wa |