How to Read “Good words come from the mouth, and bad words also come from the mouth”
Kōgen wa kuchi yori shi, yūgen mo kuchi yori su
Meaning of “Good words come from the mouth, and bad words also come from the mouth”
This proverb expresses the dual nature of human beings. Both good words and bad words come from the same single mouth.
We use the same mouth to speak warm words that encourage and give courage to others. Yet at other times, we use it to speak cold words that hurt or put others down.
This expression serves as a warning to always be conscious of the words we speak. A mouth that can praise people can also criticize them. A mouth that expresses gratitude can also complain.
The proverb teaches that whether words are good or bad doesn’t depend on the mouth itself. It depends on the heart and mind of the person using it.
Even today, this universal truth still applies. It’s used when teaching the importance of careful speech and taking responsibility for what we say.
Origin and Etymology
This proverb preserves an old form of Japanese language. “Kōgen” means good words, while “yūgen” means bad words.
The character “yū” originally referred to a type of weed called “hagusa.” Over time, it came to mean “bad” or “undesirable.” “Kuchi yori su” is an ancient expression meaning “comes from the mouth.”
No clear historical records document the exact origin of this proverb. However, based on its structure, it likely reflects Buddhist or Confucian influences.
Buddhism has a concept called “kugō,” which refers to karma created by words spoken from the mouth. This teaching has been passed down since ancient times. The proverb contains deep insight into human duality.
The proverb uses a parallel structure. It contrasts “kōgen” with “yūgen” while repeating the phrase “kuchi yori su.” This creates a striking comparison.
Such parallel expressions may reflect the influence of classical Chinese literature. This structure was likely a deliberate technique to make the lesson more memorable.
Interesting Facts
The character “yū” is rarely used in modern Japanese. It’s quite unusual. The weed “hagusa” that this character represents looked similar to rice plants.
When it grew in rice paddies, farmers had trouble distinguishing it from rice. It hindered rice growth and was considered troublesome. That’s why “yū” became a symbol for “bad things” or “undesirable things.”
A similar expression appears in the Bible’s Book of James. It says “from the same mouth come blessing and cursing.”
This shows that the dual nature of human speech is a universal theme. People across different cultures and times have recognized this truth.
Usage Examples
- That person is usually kind but uses abusive language when angry. It’s truly “Good words come from the mouth, and bad words also come from the mouth.”
- Words of gratitude and complaints both come from the same mouth. “Good words come from the mouth, and bad words also come from the mouth,” so I need to be careful with my words.
Universal Wisdom
The deepest truth this proverb reveals is the fundamental imperfection and potential of human existence. None of us are saints, nor are we completely evil.
From the same mouth and the same heart, both beautiful and ugly things emerge. This is an unavoidable reality of being human.
Why has this proverb been passed down for so long? Because it perfectly captures the essence of human nature.
A person who speaks kind words to family in the morning may speak harsh words to colleagues at noon. In the evening, they encourage a friend, but at night, they gossip about someone else.
We live with these contradictions every day.
However, this proverb isn’t simply criticizing humanity. Rather, it’s a message of hope. It tells us to become more conscious of our words.
A mouth that produces bad words is also capable of producing good words. The fact that both come from the same source means the choice is ours.
The proverb acknowledges human imperfection while emphasizing the importance of trying to choose good words. This is perhaps why it has survived for hundreds of years.
When AI Hears This
Words are neither good nor bad while they remain in the mind. Like electrons in quantum mechanics existing in a superposition state before observation, unspoken words exist in an ambiguous state.
For example, “You’re different” can be both a compliment and sarcasm simultaneously in the mind. It holds both possibilities at once.
But the moment it leaves the mouth, the word is observed. Through “observation devices” like tone of voice, facial expression, and context, it touches the listener’s consciousness.
Just as a quantum particle collapses to a single position when observed, words collapse into either “good” or “bad.” They can’t return to the superposition state.
Like Schrödinger’s cat becoming either alive or dead when the box opens, words become fixed as social reality through the irreversible act of speaking.
What’s interesting is that the same words collapse differently depending on the observer—the listener. In quantum mechanics, particle behavior changes based on measurement apparatus settings.
Words also become fixed as good or bad depending on observation conditions like relationships and situations. Speaking is an irreversible quantum measurement.
Lessons for Today
This proverb teaches modern people the importance of “taking a breath” before speaking. In an age when words spread instantly worldwide through social media, we need awareness.
We must remember that the same mouth produces both good and bad words.
The mouth that can encourage someone can also hurt someone. Just knowing this fact changes how consciously you choose your words.
Before sending a message in anger, pause and think. Is this really the word you want to say? Such small habits can greatly change your relationships.
The important thing isn’t to aim for perfection. Sometimes you’ll get emotional and say words you regret. That’s human too.
But the same mouth can also produce words of apology and gratitude. If you make a mistake, you can choose better words next time.
Through this repetition, your words will surely become something that warmly illuminates more people.
Comments