But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.
Christ turns from the proud Pharisees, who thought themselves too good to hear Him, and welcomes the multitude instead. The humble, though weak, are teachable; the proud are willfully blind. He teaches the common people what the learned men despise.
AI summary
Commenting on Matthew 15:10-20
But those things which proceed out of the mouth,.... Meaning not material things, as spittle, vomit, &c. 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...
Verses 18-20. Christ proceeds to state what does defile the man, or render him a sinner: (1.) Evil thoughts. These are the first things. These are the fountains of all others. Thought precedes action. Thought, or purpose, or motive, gives its character to conduct. All evil thoughts are here intended. Though we labour to suppress them, yet they defile us. They leave pollution behind them. (2.) Murders.