Matthew 15:18

18 But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart. Those are the things that make you '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 "Don't you understand yet?" Jesus asked them.
17 "Don't you see? Everything that enters the mouth goes into the stomach. Then it goes out of the body.
18 But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart. Those are the things that make you 'unclean.'
19 Evil thoughts come out of the heart. So do murder, adultery, and other sexual sins. And so do stealing, false witness, and telling lies about others.
20 Those are the things that make you 'unclean.' But eating without washing your hands does not make you 'unclean.' "
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