20 From the fruit of their mouth a person's stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied.

21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Other Translations of Proverbs 18:20-21

King James Version

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.

21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

English Standard Version

20 From the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.

21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

The Message

20 Words satisfy the mind as much as fruit does the stomach; good talk is as gratifying as a good harvest.

21 Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit - you choose.

New King James Version

20 A man's stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth, From the produce of his lips he shall be filled.

21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.

New Living Translation

20 Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction.

21 The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 18:20-21

Commentary on Proverbs 18:20

(Read Proverbs 18:20)

The belly is here put for the heart, as elsewhere; and what that is filled with, our satisfaction will be accordingly, and our inward peace.

Commentary on Proverbs 18:21

(Read Proverbs 18:21)

Many a one has caused his own death, or the death of others, by a false or injurious tongue.