Proverbs 13:2

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

A man {H376} shall eat {H398} good {H2896} by the fruit {H6529} of his mouth {H6310}: but the soul {H5315} of the transgressors {H898} shall eat violence {H2555}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A [good] man enjoys good as a result of what he says, but the essence of the treacherous is violence.

Berean Standard Bible

From the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good things, but the desire of the faithless is violence.

American Standard Version

A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth; But the soul of the treacherousshall eatviolence.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 13:2 profoundly illustrates the principle of sowing and reaping, asserting that a person's words and character directly determine their life's outcomes. It presents a stark contrast: those who speak wisely and live righteously will experience beneficial results and prosperity, metaphorically "eating good," while individuals characterized by treachery and transgression will inevitably encounter harm and destruction, consuming "violence" as the bitter fruit of their actions. This verse underscores the immense power of the tongue and the inescapable consequences of one's moral choices.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 13 is a chapter replete with antithetical parallelism, a hallmark of wisdom literature, where contrasting ideas highlight the paths of the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked. This verse immediately follows a proverb about the value of guarding one's mouth (Proverbs 13:3) and precedes others discussing the diligence of the righteous versus the laziness of the wicked (Proverbs 13:4) and the integrity of a righteous witness (Proverbs 13:5). It is embedded within a broader discourse on practical wisdom for daily living, emphasizing the tangible consequences of one's speech, actions, and character. The "fruit of his mouth" connects to the earlier emphasis on the tongue's power, while the "transgressors" aligns with the consistent portrayal of the wicked throughout the book, whose choices lead to ruin, as seen in the warnings of [Proverbs 1:31](/proverbs/1-31 "Proverbs 1:31 - Consequences of Rejecting Wisdom").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, an oral culture, words carried immense weight and were often seen as having a generative power, capable of shaping reality. A person's reputation, social standing, and even economic well-being were heavily influenced by their speech and perceived integrity. The concept of "eating" in this context extends beyond literal consumption to encompass the full experience of consequences, whether positive or negative. Justice in this worldview was often understood as retributive, where actions naturally brought about corresponding results, reflecting a divinely ordered universe. The "transgressor" (Hebrew: *boged*) would have been understood as someone who breaks trust, acts treacherously, or betrays a covenant, a serious offense in a community built on relational integrity and covenant faithfulness.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb succinctly encapsulates several pervasive themes found throughout the Book of Proverbs and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights **the power of words and speech**, emphasizing that verbal expressions are not neutral but are seeds that yield specific harvests, aligning with the idea that "death and life are in the power of the tongue" ([Proverbs 18:21](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - The Power of the Tongue")). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **divine justice and natural consequences**, illustrating the principle of sowing and reaping, where one's conduct directly determines their outcome. This is a fundamental tenet of biblical wisdom, echoed in passages like [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping"). Lastly, it reinforces the **contrast between wisdom and folly, righteousness and wickedness**, a foundational dichotomy in Proverbs. The wise person's speech brings good, while the transgressor's brings violence, showcasing the divergent paths and destinies of those who embrace or reject God's wisdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** This word (H2896) is remarkably broad, encompassing not just moral goodness but also pleasantness, prosperity, well-being, beauty, and favor. When a man "eats good," it signifies experiencing beneficial outcomes, flourishing, and enjoying a life marked by favor and positive results, both tangible and intangible, as a direct consequence of his words and actions.
* **violence (Hebrew, _châmâç'_):** This term (H2555) denotes physical violence, injustice, wrong, or cruel treatment. It can also imply unjust gain or oppression. For the "soul of the transgressors" to "eat violence" means they will experience destructive, harmful, and unjust consequences, often suffering the very kind of harm they inflict or promote through their treacherous ways. It speaks to a bitter, painful, and destructive end.
* **transgressors (Hebrew, _bâgad'_):** Derived from the root (H898) meaning "to cover (with a garment)" or "to act covertly," this term refers to those who deal deceitfully, treacherously, or unfaithfully. It implies a betrayal of trust, a departure from covenant, or an act of unfaithfulness. The "transgressors" are not merely those who make mistakes, but those whose character is marked by deliberate deceit and disloyalty, leading to destructive speech and actions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth":** This clause presents the positive outcome of righteous speech and conduct. "A man" (H376, *ʼîysh*) refers to an individual, emphasizing personal responsibility. The verb "shall eat" (H398, *ʼâkal*) is a powerful metaphor for experiencing or receiving the full consequences of something. "Good" (H2896, *ṭôwb*) signifies prosperity, well-being, and favorable outcomes. The phrase "by the fruit of his mouth" (H6529, *pᵉrîy* H6310, *peh*) is a vivid Hebrew idiom, comparing words and their expressions to fruit produced by a tree. Just as a tree's fruit reflects its nature, so a person's words (whether wise, truthful, encouraging, or just) yield corresponding beneficial results in their life and relationships. This can include a good reputation, strong social bonds, success in endeavors, and inner peace.
* **"but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.":** This clause presents the contrasting, negative outcome. The conjunction "but" highlights the sharp dichotomy. "The soul" (H5315, *nephesh*) refers to the whole person, their inner being, desires, and life principle, indicating that the consequences are deeply personal and pervasive. "Transgressors" (H898, *bâgad*) are those who are treacherous, deceitful, or unfaithful. They are characterized by actions and words that violate trust and moral order. To "eat violence" (H2555, *châmâç*) means they will experience destructive, harmful, and unjust repercussions. This can manifest as literal harm, social alienation, internal turmoil, or the self-destructive cycle of their own choices coming back to consume them. Their deceitful words and actions inevitably bring about a bitter, painful, and violent end.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 13:2 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound truth. The most prominent is **Antithetical Parallelism**, where the first half of the verse presents a positive scenario ("A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth") that is directly contrasted with a negative one in the second half ("but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence"). This stark opposition serves to highlight the clear choice and its inevitable consequences. **Metaphor** is also powerfully utilized: "fruit of his mouth" is a vivid image comparing words to produce, emphasizing their generative nature and the harvest they yield. Similarly, "shall eat good" and "shall eat violence" are metaphors for experiencing the full impact and consequences of one's actions and words, personifying abstract concepts as something consumed. The use of "soul" (nephesh) in the second clause can be seen as a form of **Synecdoche**, where a part (the soul) represents the whole person, emphasizing the deep, internal, and comprehensive nature of the transgressor's suffering.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 13:2 articulates a fundamental principle of divine justice and moral order woven throughout Scripture: the inescapable law of sowing and reaping. It teaches that God has established a universe where actions, especially those expressed through speech, carry inherent consequences. Righteousness and integrity, particularly in communication, lead to flourishing and well-being, reflecting God's design for human prosperity. Conversely, treachery and destructive speech, which are antithetical to God's character and covenant faithfulness, inevitably bring about suffering and ruin. This proverb affirms that God's moral governance ensures that justice, whether immediate or delayed, will ultimately prevail, holding individuals accountable for the "fruit" their lives produce. It calls humanity to align their words and character with divine wisdom, promising blessing for obedience and warning of the dire outcomes for rebellion.

* [Proverbs 18:21](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - Death and Life in the Power of the Tongue")
* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping")
* [Matthew 12:37](/matthew/12-37 "Matthew 12:37 - Justified or Condemned by Words")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 13:2 serves as a timeless mirror, inviting us to deeply examine the quality of our words and the integrity of our character. It reminds us that our speech is not merely idle chatter but a powerful force, capable of constructing or demolishing, blessing or cursing. If we desire to "eat good"—to experience peace, prosperity, healthy relationships, and inner well-being—we must intentionally cultivate a mouth that speaks truth, grace, encouragement, and wisdom. This requires a heart transformed by God's Spirit, as our words ultimately flow from the overflow of our hearts. Conversely, the proverb issues a stark warning: indulging in deceit, treachery, slander, or destructive criticism, whether through overt speech or subtle manipulation, will inevitably lead to a bitter harvest of "violence"—discord, brokenness, and internal turmoil. Therefore, we are called to personal accountability, recognizing that the trajectory of our lives is profoundly shaped by the seeds we sow daily with our tongues and through our moral choices.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "fruit" are my words producing in my relationships, my community, and my own soul?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be speaking or acting treacherously, and what "violence" might I be inadvertently inviting?**
* **How can I be more intentional about using my words to build up, encourage, and bring "good" into the lives of others?**
* **What does it mean for my "soul" to "eat violence," and how might this manifest in my inner life or external circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Does "eating good" only refer to material prosperity?**

Answer: While "good" (Hebrew: *ṭôwb*) can certainly encompass material well-being and prosperity, its meaning is much broader. It includes all forms of flourishing: a good reputation, strong and healthy relationships, inner peace, favor with others, and a general sense of well-being and contentment. It signifies experiencing life in a way that is pleasant, beneficial, and aligned with God's design for human flourishing, which extends far beyond mere financial gain.

**What does it mean for the "soul of the transgressors" to "eat violence"?**

Answer: This is a powerful metaphor indicating that transgressors will experience destructive, harmful, and unjust consequences as a direct result of their treacherous and unfaithful actions and words. "Violence" (Hebrew: *châmâç*) can refer to literal physical harm or injustice, but also to the internal turmoil, social alienation, broken relationships, and self-destructive patterns that often accompany a life of deceit. It means that the very destructive energy they put out will ultimately consume them, leading to a bitter and painful end, whether through external retribution or the internal decay of their own character. It signifies that their actions will boomerang back upon them.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 13:2, like all wisdom literature, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of the "man" who perfectly "ate good by the fruit of his mouth." His words were not merely wise, but life-giving, speaking truth, grace, and healing, bringing forth the "good" of the Kingdom of God. From His Sermon on the Mount, where He taught with unparalleled authority ([Matthew 7:28-29](/matthew/7-28 "Matthew 7:28-29 - The Authority of Jesus' Teaching")), to His gentle words of forgiveness to sinners ([Luke 7:48](/luke/7-48 "Luke 7:48 - Jesus Forgives a Sinner")), every utterance brought forth life and blessing. He truly lived out the principle that "the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life" ([John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - Words of Spirit and Life")). Conversely, Jesus, though perfectly righteous, voluntarily "ate violence" on behalf of "transgressors." He, the innocent Lamb of God, bore the full weight of the *châmâç* (violence, injustice) that humanity's sin deserved, suffering the ultimate betrayal and an unjust death on the cross ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Wounded for Our Transgressions")). Through His sacrifice, He absorbed the violence that was due to us, so that those who believe in Him might "eat good"—receiving forgiveness, peace, and eternal life, the true fruit of His mouth and His redemptive work ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Justified by Faith")). Thus, Christ perfectly exemplifies the wisdom of the proverb and profoundly redefines its second clause through His atoning work.

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 12:14

¶ 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.

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 10:11

¶ The mouth of a righteous [man is] a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

Proverbs 1:31

Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.

Psalms 140:11

Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow [him].

Proverbs 1:11

If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:

Proverbs 1:13

We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil: