Proverbs 18:20

A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.
– Proverbs 18:20

Wisdom understands the general principle of sowing and reaping (Proverbs 11:27; 13:2; 14:14). This proverb treats that principle in regard to our words and the next gives a warning in this same track. To be satisfied means to be filled. It could be negative in terms of excess, but in this context it seems positive. The word for fruit means the produce, as in from a sown field. The word for increase is different and means yield, or profit. This proverb doesn’t focus on the words spoken, but rather on the consequences, or results, of words spoken. Wisdom understands good words yield good fruit and bad words, bad fruit (Proverbs 12:13-14; 13:2).

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