A wise son, &c. Houbigant translates this verse, “A wise son regardeth the instruction of his father; but a son who is a scorner heareth not rebuke.” A man shall eat good Shall receive much comfort, credit, and benefit to himself; by the fruit of his mouth By his wise and profitable discourses; but the soul That is, the person, as the word soul often signifies; of the transgressors Of those that transgress with their lips, which seems to be the meaning here; shall eat violence Shall have that violence and injury returned upon themselves, which they have offered to others in word or deed. He that keepeth his mouth Namely, shut; that speaks sparingly, and with due care and caution; keepeth his life
Prevents many sins and mischiefs which others run into; but he that openeth wide his lips That takes the liberty of speaking whatever he pleases, or all that comes into his mind; shall have destruction From God or men.