Matthew 15:18

18 But ¹what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person.

Matthew 15:18 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 15:18

But those things which proceed out of the mouth
Meaning not material things, as spittle, vomit but, as it follows, which

come forth from the heart:
are first conceived and formed there, and then come forth from thence, and are expressed by the mouth; as all idle words, foolish talking, filthy jesting, unsavoury communication, and every word that is rotten and corrupt, or which is done in the life and conversation;

and they defile the man:
the heart is the corrupt fountain from whence all moral defilement flows; and sinful words and actions are the impure streams, which spring from thence, and increase the moral pollution of human nature.

Matthew 15:18 In-Context

16 And he said, "Are you also still without understanding?

17 Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the stomach and is expelled?

18 But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person.

19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.

20 These are what defile a person. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile anyone."

Cross References

• 1. Matthew 12:34; James 3:6