"A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence."
Proverbs 13:2
“A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth:”
A good man will enjoy the reward of his good words to others. They will return to him many times over.
“A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompense of a man’s hands shall be rendered unto him” (Proverbs 12:14).
Good seed produces good fruit. And godly words will produce godly results.
“Speech rightly used is itself good, and must therefore bring good fruit”1 (Barnes).
“A man with a fruit-bringing mouth, himself enjoys also the blessing of his fruit-producing speech; his food…is the good action in words, which in themselves are deeds, and are followed by deeds; this good action affords enjoyment not merely to others, but also to himself.”2
This is the “sowing and reaping” principle.
“But the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.”
This principle works the other way too. The one who sows evil is returned evil.
“Good understanding giveth favor: but the way of transgressors is hard” (Proverbs 13:15).
“The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble” (Proverbs 12:13).
All in good time the wicked will receive the fruit of their wickedness.
“For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off” (Psalm 37:22).
This phrase “shall eat violence” means to,
“Bring upon itself repayment in kind for its deeds of evil”3 (Barnes).
“But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it” (Proverbs 2:22).
“Oh, be careful little mouth what you say!”
1. Albert Barnes, Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible, the electronic version in eSword.
2. Keil & Delitzsch, Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament, the electronic version in eSword.
3. Barnes, ibid.