Matthew 15:18

18 But the things which come out of the mouth come from the heart; and they make a man unclean.

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, like them, still without wisdom?

17 Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth goes on into the stomach, and is sent out as waste?

18 But the things which come out of the mouth come from the heart; and they make a man unclean.

19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, the taking of life, broken faith between the married, unclean desires of the flesh, taking of property, false witness, bitter words:

20 These are the things which make a man unclean; but to take food with unwashed hands does not make a man unclean.