Matthew 15:18

18 But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these things defile a 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 “Do you still not understand?” Jesus asked.

17 “Do you not yet realize that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then is eliminated?

18 But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these things defile a man.

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

20 These are what defile a man, but eating with unwashed hands does not defile him.”