18:20

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

20a
From the fruit of his mouth a man’s belly is filled ;

20b
with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.

Both lines have complex figures of speech: “fruit of his mouth” and “harvest from his lips.” These figures of speech represent the consequences of a person’s words. These consequences could be good or bad, depending on what a person says. But in this context, they probably refer to good consequences.

See the notes on 12:14a and 13:2a. The identical phrase “fruit of his mouth” occurs in both these verses. Both verses also refer to the benefits that a person receives from the good things that he says. In addition, the concept of being satisfied usually has a good connotation.

18:20a–b

fruit…harvest: In this context, the words fruit and harvest are both figures of speech (metonymy). They represent good consequences or results. In some languages, it may be possible to keep at least one of these figures of speech. In other languages, it will be clearer to use words such as “benefits” or “rewards.” These words express the meaning directly.

a man’s belly is filled…he is satisfied: The word that the Berean Standard Bible and most versions translate as belly can refer literally to a person’s stomach. They can also refer figuratively to a person’s inner being. The parallel words filled and satisfied are the same word in Hebrew. Depending on the context, this word can also be understood literally or figuratively.

There are two reasons why a figurative meaning is probably intended here:

(a) The other parallel parts in this verse have figurative meanings.

(b) The similar phrase “eat its fruit” in 18:21 clearly has a figurative meaning.

Some ways to translate these parallel lines are:

• Use one or more figures of speech. For example:

20a Wise words satisfy like a good meal ; 20b the right words bring satisfaction. (New Living Translation (2004))

• Translate the meaning without using a figure of speech. For example:

20a People will be rewarded for what they say; 20b they will be rewarded by how they speak. (New Century Version)

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