Matthew 15:18

18 But the things that come out of the mouth proceed from the heart, and it is these that 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 "Are even you," He answered, "still without intellingence?
17 Do you not understand that whatever enters the mouth passes into the stomach and is afterwards ejected from the body?
18 But the things that come out of the mouth proceed from the heart, and it is these that defile the man.
19 For out of the heart proceed wicked thoughts, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, perjury, impiety of speech.
20 These are the things which defile the man; but eating with unwashed hands does not defile."
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