Matthew 15:18

18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart, and they defile the man.

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 Jesus said, "Are ye also yet without understanding?

17 Do ye not yet understand that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the drain?

18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart, and they defile the man.

19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:

20 these are the things which defile a man. But to eat with unwashed hands defileth not a man."