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.

Proverbs 12:14 nkjv

A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth, And the recompense of a man's hands will be rendered to him.

Proverbs 12:14 niv

From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things, and the work of their hands brings them reward.

Proverbs 12:14 esv

From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good, and the work of a man's hand comes back to him.

Proverbs 12:14 nlt

Wise words bring many benefits,
and hard work brings rewards.

Proverbs 12 verses

Proverbs 12 14 Meaning

Proverbs 12:14 states a fundamental principle of divine justice: the consequences one experiences in life are directly related to one's words and actions. It asserts that positive outcomes, represented as "being filled with good things" or "satisfaction," come from righteous or wise speech, and a deserved "reward" is received for one's diligent or honorable work. The verse emphasizes that what issues forth from a person—both verbally and physically—will return to them as recompense.

Proverbs 12 14 Context

Proverbs chapter 12 primarily contrasts the righteous with the wicked, highlighting the different outcomes of their choices and characters. It discusses topics such as the value of diligence versus idleness, the integrity of speech versus deceit, the fate of the righteous versus the destruction of the wicked, and the lasting consequences of actions. Verse 14 specifically zeroes in on two key aspects of human activity—speech and physical labor—and asserts their inherent cause-and-effect relationship with the good or ill that befalls an individual. This aligns with the wisdom tradition's emphasis on moral order, where ethical choices lead to blessed outcomes and unethical choices lead to adversity, demonstrating God's consistent governance in human affairs.

Proverbs 12 14 Word analysis

• From the fruit of their lips: Hebrew: mip·pərî pî (מִפְּרִי פִי).

  • Fruit (פְּרִי - pərî): Refers to the product, outcome, or yield. In this context, it signifies the results or consequences of one's spoken words. It’s not just the words themselves but what they produce. This encompasses advice, wisdom, truth, comfort, prayer, praise, or alternatively, slander, lies, curses, and destructive talk.
  • Lips/Mouth (פֶּה - peh): The instrument of speech. This highlights that words, though intangible, have real power and lasting impact.
  • Significance: What we say shapes our reality and the reality of others. Good words, wise counsel, encouraging speech, and truthful testimony can build relationships, lead to opportunities, foster peace, and invite divine favor, thus "filling" one's life with good.

• People are filled with good things (KJV: "A man shall be satisfied with good"): Hebrew: yiś·baʿ-ṭōḇ (יִשְׂבַּע־טוֹב).

  • Filled/Satisfied (יִשְׂבַּע - yiśbaʿ): To have abundance, to be gratified, to reach a state of completeness or fullness. This goes beyond mere sustenance to deep contentment and well-being.
  • Good things (טוֹב - ṭōḇ): Broadly signifies prosperity, blessing, favor, health, wisdom, peace, positive reputation, and divine approval. It can be material or immaterial.
  • Significance: The outcomes of wise speech are often enriching and bring genuine satisfaction. This satisfaction is divinely appointed and springs directly from one's verbal offerings.

• And the work of their hands: Hebrew: wə·gəmûl yəḏê-ʾîš (וּגְמוּל יְדֵי־אִישׁ).

  • Work/Deed (מַעֲשֶׂה - maʿăśeh): In many translations (like KJV), the term used for recompense is tied directly to the "work" itself. The Hebrew uses gəmûl, emphasizing recompense for the work of hands.
  • Hands (יָדָיו - yādāw): The primary instruments of labor, action, and effort. This signifies all deeds, labor, and practical activities.
  • Significance: Actions, whether physical labor, acts of service, or general conduct, also have direct and proportionate consequences.

• Brings them a reward (KJV: "shall be rendered unto him"): Hebrew: yuššab-lô (יֻשַּׁב לוֹ).

  • Reward/Recompense (גְּמוּל - gəmul): This word denotes what is justly deserved or returned. It implies a precise, fitting outcome for a deed.
  • Rendered/Brings (יֻשַּׁב - yuššab): To be returned, repaid, given back. This implies a definite and inevitable reciprocation.
  • Significance: Just as a diligent laborer expects a wage, so too the universe, governed by divine order, repays a person according to their actions. This can manifest as provision, recognition, success, or internal peace and righteousness. The principle assures that no good deed done for the Lord, or any diligent and righteous labor, goes without its just return.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "From the fruit of their lips...and the work of their hands": These two phrases represent the complete sphere of human activity: thought/expression and physical/practical effort. The verse presents a holistic view, showing that both inner character (revealed in speech) and outer conduct (revealed in work) contribute to one's destiny.
  • "...are filled with good things...brings them a reward": These parallel outcomes emphasize the benevolent nature of God's design for those who act righteously. Both provide satisfaction and just repayment, reinforcing the concept of God's active involvement in justly governing the consequences of human choices.

Proverbs 12 14 Bonus section

This Proverb highlights the predictable nature of God's moral universe. While we often seek immediate gratification or material reward, the "good things" and "reward" can be profoundly spiritual or long-term, manifesting in wisdom, character development, inner peace, and divine favor that far outweigh temporal gains. It also underscores human responsibility; God has given us the capacity for speech and action, and with these comes the obligation to use them wisely. The verse functions as a powerful encouragement for both active verbal witness and practical Christian service, asserting that both are means by which believers experience the tangible blessings of God's established order.

Proverbs 12 14 Commentary

Proverbs 12:14 serves as a foundational declaration of divine justice within God's ordered world, proclaiming that both one's words and actions inherently carry consequences that return to the individual. The verse uses potent agricultural and economic metaphors ("fruit," "filled," "reward") to illustrate the principle of sowing and reaping, applicable to every aspect of life. Righteous and wise speech (the "fruit of the lips") yields satisfaction and blessing. This refers to words that edify, instruct, confess faith, or express truth, wisdom, and praise. Such speech builds up, opens doors, fosters peace, and ultimately brings profound contentment to the speaker and those affected. Concurrently, diligent and righteous work (the "work of their hands") ensures a just recompense. This signifies effort expended in integrity, honest labor, service to others, or deeds motivated by faith. Such efforts do not go unnoticed in God's economy but are met with a suitable return, which can range from material provision and social standing to spiritual rewards and God's favor.

The verse implicitly warns against the inverse: perverse speech and evil deeds will inevitably bring ruin and adverse consequences. It encourages deliberate intentionality in both word and deed, underscoring that our internal disposition (expressed through speech) and external behavior (demonstrated through work) are inextricably linked to the trajectory of our lives. It offers comfort to the diligent and righteous, assuring them that their efforts in words and deeds will lead to true fulfillment and a just return, establishing the character of God as a fair and generous provider who governs justly. For instance, a person who consistently offers words of encouragement and wisdom will find their relationships flourishing and their advice sought after, leading to relational fulfillment. Similarly, a person who diligently applies themselves to honest labor, whether in vocational calling or acts of service, will experience the benefits of provision and divine favor.