Matthew 15:18

18 But what people say with their mouths comes from the way they think; these are the things that make people 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 Jesus said, "Do you still not understand?

17 Surely you know that all the food that enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then goes out of the body.

18 But what people say with their mouths comes from the way they think; these are the things that make people unclean.

19 Out of the mind come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual sins, stealing, lying, and speaking evil of others.

20 These things make people unclean; eating with unwashed hands does not make them unclean."