The answer is: By the fruit of his mouth

Pro 18:20

In the book of Proverbs, there's a strong focus on the power of words—a central and recurring theme throughout the text. In Proverbs 18:20, we see a very vivid imagery: "a man's belly" being satisfied by "the fruit of his mouth." This suggests that not only physical nourishment is important, but also the nourishment of the soul and spirit through words. How fascinating that our thoughts and speech have such a direct impact on our well-being!

Consider this: the ancient religion of Hebrew culture often underscored the idea that words have the ability to bless or curse. In many ways, they recognized that verbal communication doesn’t just express ideas; it creates connections that can uplift or destroy. Proverbs encourages wisdom in speech, urging us to choose our words thoughtfully, as they bear real weight in shaping our lives and the lives of those around us.

To illustrate, look at how the New Testament expands on this idea. In James 3, it emphasizes the tongue as a small part of the body that can set whole forests ablaze. Then when you think of the echoes throughout literature, even in sayings like "actions speak louder than words," there's an agreement on the principles of intent and understanding. So when reading Proverbs, one can universally grasp not just a moral code but an invitation to consider the larger impact of one’s voice and its potential in shaping reality! There's a delicious richness to this life lesson about communication.