Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 15:11

"Not that which entereth into the mouth defileth the man; but that which proceedeth out of the mouth, this defileth the man." — Matthew 15:11 (ASV)

Here is something for the crowd to think over and for the Pharisees to chew upon. It would be a riddle to many and a surprise to all. Preeminently, it would be a staggering statement for formalists. Religionists of the day placed the chief point of morals in meats and drinks, but the Lord Jesus declared that it lay in thoughts and acts.

The Pharisees now had a string to harp upon, for harp they would. This saying would provide material for malicious comment for a long time. They had sought to seize a sentence they could use as an accusation, and in this case, He gave them one they might quote for that purpose, if they dared to do so. It was diametrically opposed to their teaching, and yet, it was not easy to meet its keen edge or withstand its unique force.