A man shall eat good by the fruit {a} of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.

(a) If he uses his tongue to God's glory, and the profit of his neighbour, God will bless him.

Wesley's Notes

13:2 Shall eat - Shall receive comfort, and benefit by his wise and profitable discourses.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

2. shall eat-that is, obtain (Pr 12:14).

transgressors-as in Pr 2:22.

violence-or, "mischief" to themselves.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

13:1 There is great hope of those that reverence their parents. There is little hope of any who will not hear those that deal faithfully with them. 2. By our words we must be justified or condemned, Mt 12:37. 3. He that thinks before he speaks, that suppresses evil if he have thought it, keeps his soul from a great deal both of guilt and grief. Many a one is ruined by an ungoverned tongue. 4. The slothful desire the gains the diligent get, but hate the pains the diligent take; therefore they have nothing. This is especially true as to the soul. 5. Where sin reigns, the man is loathsome. If his conscience were awake, he would abhor himself, and repent in dust and ashes.

Matthew Henry's Whole Bible Commentary

Verse 2

Note, 1. If that which comes from within, out of the heart, be good, and from a good treasure, it will return with advantage. Inward comfort and satisfaction will be daily bread; nay, it will be a continual feast to those who delight in that communication which is to the use of edifying. 2. Violence done will recoil in the face of him that does it: The soul of the transgressors that harbours and plots mischief, and vents it by word and deed, shall eat violence; they shall have their belly full of it. Reward her as she has rewarded thee, Rev. 18:6. Every man shall drink as he brews, eat as he speaks; for by our words we must be justified or condemned, Mt. 12:37. As our fruit is, so will our food be, Rom. 6:21, 22.