Proverbs 12:14

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

A man {H376} shall be satisfied {H7646} with good {H2896} by the fruit {H6529} of his mouth {H6310}: and the recompence {H1576} of a man's {H120} hands {H3027} shall be rendered {H7725}{H7725} unto him.

Complete Jewish Bible

One can be filled with good as the result of one's words, and one gets the reward one's deeds deserve.

Berean Standard Bible

By fruitful speech a man is filled with good things, and the work of his hands returns to him.

American Standard Version

A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth; And the doings of a man’s hands shall be rendered unto him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 12:14 articulates a foundational principle of divine justice and personal accountability, asserting that an individual's words and deeds inevitably determine the outcomes and quality of their life. It posits that the positive or negative "fruit" produced by one's speech leads to corresponding satisfaction or dissatisfaction, and likewise, the "recompence" for one's actions will be precisely rendered back to them. This proverb profoundly underscores the intrinsic connection between moral conduct, both verbal and practical, and the resultant well-being or adversity experienced in life, highlighting God's established moral order where righteousness leads to flourishing and wickedness to ruin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 12 is a chapter rich in sharp contrasts, consistently juxtaposing the characteristics and destinies of the righteous and the wicked. It builds upon the foundational wisdom presented in earlier chapters of the book, emphasizing themes such as the value of truthfulness over deceit (as seen in [Proverbs 12:17](/proverbs/12-17 "Proverbs 12:17 - Truthful Witness Bears Witness to Righteousness") and [Proverbs 12:22](/proverbs/12-22 "Proverbs 12:22 - Lying Lips Abhorrent to the Lord")), the importance of diligence over idleness ([Proverbs 12:11](/proverbs/12-11 "Proverbs 12:11 - Diligence Leads to Plenty")), and the lasting nature of righteousness versus the fleeting nature of wickedness ([Proverbs 12:3](/proverbs/12-3 "Proverbs 12:3 - The Righteous Shall Not Be Moved")). Verse 14 fits seamlessly into this literary flow by providing a concise summary of the consequences that flow from either wise or foolish speech and action. It serves as a practical application of the broader principles discussed throughout the chapter and the book, acting as a succinct statement of the "cause and effect" relationship central to biblical wisdom literature.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Proverbs emerges from an ancient Near Eastern wisdom tradition, where practical instruction for successful living and societal harmony was highly valued. In ancient Israel, wisdom was not merely intellectual knowledge but the practical skill of living righteously in covenant with God. The societal structure was largely agricultural, making the metaphor of "fruit" (as used in [Proverbs 12:14](/proverbs/12-14 "Proverbs 12:14 - Fruit of the Mouth")) and the broader concept of "sowing and reaping" (echoed in [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping")) readily understandable and deeply impactful. Justice was understood as a divinely ordained order, where actions had inherent consequences, often observable within one's lifetime, reflecting God's direct governance of the world. The emphasis on the "mouth" and "hands" reflects the primary modes of human interaction and productivity in a pre-industrial society, where spoken words carried significant weight (e.g., oaths, blessings, curses) and manual labor was the basis of livelihood and contribution to community.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 12:14 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs and biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the **Power of Words**, illustrating that speech is not inconsequential but bears tangible "fruit," leading to either satisfaction or ruin. This theme is pervasive throughout Proverbs, as seen in warnings against hasty words ([Proverbs 29:20](/proverbs/29-20 "Proverbs 29:20 - Hasty Speech Leads to Folly")) and the life-and-death power of the tongue ([Proverbs 18:21](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - Life and Death Are in the Power of the Tongue")). Secondly, the verse articulates the **Principle of Retribution or Consequence**, often referred to as sowing and reaping, where actions ([Proverbs 12:14](/proverbs/12-14 "Proverbs 12:14 - Recompence of Hands")) inevitably bring a corresponding return. This concept is a cornerstone of Old Testament justice, seen in the Mosaic Law's "eye for an eye" ([Exodus 21:24](/exodus/21-24 "Exodus 21:24 - Lex Talionis")) and prophetic warnings of judgment. Finally, it highlights **Personal Responsibility**, emphasizing that individuals are active agents whose choices directly shape their destiny, rather than being passive victims of fate. This theme encourages self-reflection and accountability before God and humanity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **satisfied (Hebrew, _sâbaʻ'_):** from H7646; to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively); have enough, fill (full, self, with), be (to the) full (of), have plenty of, be satiate, satisfy (with), suffice, be weary of. In this context, it implies a deep sense of contentment, fulfillment, or having one's desires met. It suggests that the "good" received from the fruit of the mouth leads to a profound and complete sense of well-being, not merely a superficial pleasure.
* **good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** from H2896; good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and in the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good or good thing, a good man or woman; the good, goods or good things, good men or women), also as an adverb (well); 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). When a man is "satisfied with good," it implies that his words have produced outcomes that are truly beneficial, desirable, and aligned with divine wisdom, leading to a state of flourishing.
* **recompence (Hebrew, _gᵉmûwl'_):** from H1576; treatment, i.e., an act (of good or ill); by implication, service or requital; [phrase] as hast served, benefit, desert, deserving, that which he hath given, recompense, reward. It denotes the full and just return for one's actions, whether positive (reward, benefit) or negative (desert, punishment). This word emphasizes the equitable nature of the consequences, ensuring that what one "renders" with their hands will be "rendered unto him" in kind.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth":** This clause establishes a direct causal link between a person's verbal output and the quality of their life experience. The "fruit of his mouth" is a powerful metaphor for the consequences, effects, or outcomes produced by one's words—whether they are truthful, wise, encouraging, deceitful, or destructive. The "good" with which one is satisfied implies that righteous, edifying, and honest speech leads to beneficial results, inner contentment, and a flourishing life, demonstrating the profound impact of spoken words.
* **"and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him":** This second clause parallels the first, extending the principle of consequence from words to actions. "The recompence of a man's hands" refers to the just return or requital for his deeds, efforts, or conduct. "Hands" represent one's labor, actions, and practical engagement with the world. The phrase "shall be rendered unto him" signifies that this return is inevitable and precisely proportional to the actions performed, reinforcing the idea of a divinely established moral order where justice is meted out according to one's works, ensuring that every action has its corresponding consequence.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 12:14 employs several effective literary devices to convey its profound message with clarity and impact. **Parallelism** is prominently featured, as the verse is structured into two clauses that convey a similar message through different but complementary imagery: "the fruit of his mouth" and "the recompence of a man's hands." This **Synonymous Parallelism** reinforces the central idea that both verbal and physical actions have inherent, corresponding consequences. The phrase "fruit of his mouth" is a powerful **Metaphor**, comparing the outcomes of one's speech to the tangible produce of a plant, emphasizing that words are not ephemeral but yield real, discernible results, whether positive or negative. Similarly, "recompence of a man's hands" uses **Metonymy**, where "hands" stand for the actions performed by a person, highlighting the direct link between effort, labor, and their resultant outcome. Together, these devices create a memorable and impactful statement on personal accountability and the unwavering nature of divine justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 12:14 is a profound articulation of the biblical principle of retribution, not merely as punishment, but as the inherent consequence of one's choices. It reflects God's moral order woven into the very fabric of creation, where actions and words are not neutral but carry spiritual and practical weight. This principle is not about earning salvation through works, but about the natural and divinely ordained unfolding of consequences in the temporal realm. It speaks to God's justice, which ensures that ultimately, what is sown will be reaped, affirming His sovereignty over human affairs and the wisdom of living righteously. This truth serves as both a warning to the wicked—that their destructive words and deeds will return to them—and an encouragement to the righteous, assuring them that their diligent and godly conduct will indeed lead to satisfaction and good outcomes.

* [Job 4:8](/job/4-8 "Job 4:8 - Those who plow iniquity and sow trouble reap the same")
* [Psalm 62:12](/psalms/62-12 "Psalm 62:12 - God renders to each man according to his work")
* [Jeremiah 17:10](/jeremiah/17-10 "Jeremiah 17:10 - The Lord searches the heart and gives to each according to his ways and according to the fruit of his deeds")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 12:14 serves as a powerful mirror, inviting us to examine the quality of our words and the integrity of our actions. In a world often quick to blame external circumstances or attribute misfortune to fate, this proverb calls us to profound personal responsibility. It challenges us to recognize that the satisfaction or dissatisfaction we experience in life is often a direct result of the "fruit" we have cultivated through our speech and the "recompence" that has returned from our deeds. This means cultivating intentionality in our communication, choosing words that build up rather than tear down, speak truth rather than deceit, and offer grace rather than condemnation. It also means committing to diligence, honesty, and ethical conduct in all our endeavors, understanding that our efforts, whether seen or unseen, contribute significantly to the harvest we will eventually reap. Embracing this truth fosters a life of greater integrity, purpose, and ultimately, genuine satisfaction derived from aligning our lives with God's wise and just order.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "fruit" have my words produced in my relationships and personal well-being recently?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to be more intentional about the "recompence of my hands," ensuring my actions align with righteous principles?**
* **How does understanding this proverb challenge my perspective on personal accountability versus external circumstances?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to ensure my mouth and hands are producing "good" that leads to true satisfaction, both for myself and others?**

### FAQ
**Does "satisfied with good" imply material prosperity, or something more?**

Answer: While "good" (H2896, _ṭôwb_) can encompass material blessings, its primary meaning in the context of wisdom literature extends far beyond mere wealth. It refers to a holistic sense of well-being, including peace, flourishing relationships, a clear conscience, a good reputation, and deep contentment. The "satisfaction" (H7646, _sâbaʻ_) is a profound, abiding fulfillment that comes from living in alignment with God's wisdom and moral order. Therefore, while material well-being might be a component, the verse points to a comprehensive spiritual, emotional, and relational flourishing that results from righteous speech and deeds, rather than solely financial gain. This broader understanding aligns with the overall message of Proverbs, which consistently values wisdom and righteousness above fleeting riches (e.g., [Proverbs 3:13-15](/proverbs/3-13-15 "Proverbs 3:13-15 - Wisdom is More Precious Than Rubies")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 12:14, with its emphasis on the fruit of words and the recompense of deeds, finds its ultimate fulfillment and reinterpretation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the proverb speaks of human accountability and the natural consequences of actions, it also implicitly reveals humanity's inherent inability to perfectly produce "good" fruit or render flawless "recompense." All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")), meaning our mouths and hands are tainted by sin, leading to a recompense of judgment rather than satisfaction. However, Jesus Christ perfectly embodied this proverb: His mouth spoke only "good"—words of truth, grace, and eternal life ([John 6:68](/john/6-68 "John 6:68 - Words of Eternal Life")), and His hands performed only righteous deeds, culminating in the ultimate act of obedience on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/phil/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Obedience to Death on a Cross")). He became the perfect "fruit" and "recompense" for us, taking upon Himself the negative recompense due to humanity's sinful words and deeds ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2-corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through faith in Him, believers are credited with His perfect righteousness ([Romans 4:5](/romans/4-5 "Romans 4:5 - Righteousness is Credited Apart from Works")), and the "fruit of their mouth" (confession of faith and praise) and the "recompense of their hands" (works of love and service, [Ephesians 2:10](/ephesians/2-10 "Ephesians 2:10 - Created in Christ Jesus for Good Works")) are now acceptable to God, not on their own flawed merit, but through the perfect work of Christ applied to them by grace. Thus, the satisfaction with "good" ultimately comes not from our own efforts, but from the perfect work of Christ and our union with Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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 18:21

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

Isaiah 3:10

Say ye to the righteous, that [it shall be] well [with him]: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.

Isaiah 3:11

Woe unto the wicked! [it shall be] ill [with him]: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.

Proverbs 13:2

¶ A man shall eat good by the fruit of [his] mouth: but the soul of the transgressors [shall eat] violence.

Psalms 63:5

My soul shall be satisfied as [with] marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise [thee] with joyful lips:

Proverbs 15:23

¶ A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word [spoken] in due season, how good [is it]!