Chapter
Verse

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.
NIV From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things, and the work of their hands brings them reward.
NASB A person will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his words, And the deeds of a person’s hands will return to him.
CSB A person will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth, and the work of a person's hands will reward him.
NLT Wise words bring many benefits, and hard work brings rewards.
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.

What does Proverbs 12:14 mean?

Solomon alleges that a man's good words produce "satisfaction." This means that honest, godly words come back to him with as much benefit as the work of his hands. Ecclesiastes 11:1 states, "Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days." By blessing others with kind, encouraging words, a righteous person will gain the respect and love of others.

Jesus taught that goodness and kindness will be repaid. He said, "Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put in your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you" (Luke 6:37–38). Words wisely spoken echo back to a righteous person from the lips of those whom he blesses and thereby satisfy the heart.
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