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The Heart as the Source of Words

The Bible, in the words of Jesus himself, makes a profound statement about the connection between our hearts and our words: ““Either make the tree good and its fruit will be good or make the tree bad, and its fruit will be bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. Brood of vipers! How can you speak good things when you are evil? For the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart.”

• This passage highlights a fundamental truth: our words are a reflection of what's within us.
• Our hearts are the wellspring of our speech, and what we hold in our hearts will inevitably find its way out of our mouths.

The Importance of a Pure Heart

If we don’t like what is coming out of our mouth, it would be a good time to check what’s going on in our heart. Knowing the source of your words before you speak them can save you and those around you from much heartache. If we are led by the Holy Spirit, there will never be a time when we speak out in anger and don’t regret the words that come from our lips.

• This passage underscores the importance of cultivating a pure heart.
• A heart filled with love, kindness, and compassion will produce words that build up and encourage, while a heart consumed by bitterness, anger, or malice will spew forth destructive words.

Guarding Our Hearts and Lips

This is why David says in Psalm 141:3, CSB “Lord, set up a guard for my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.”

• David's plea for God to guard his mouth is a powerful reminder that we need to take responsibility for our words.
• We must be intentional about what we say, and we must constantly strive to ensure that our words are a reflection of our true heart.

The Fruit of a Good Heart

A heart filled with the love of God will produce fruit that is good and wholesome.

• Such a heart will not give in to anger or speak words that hurt others.
• Instead, it will overflow with kindness, compassion, and forgiveness.

The Consequences of an Evil Heart

An evil heart, on the other hand, bears fruit that is corrupt and harmful.

• It will speak words of hate, bitterness, and lies.
• Such words can inflict pain and damage relationships.

The Call to Examine Our Hearts

In this passage, Jesus challenges us to examine our hearts and the words we speak. He reminds us that our words reveal the true state of our heart.

• Are we speaking words that are life-giving and encouraging?
• Or are we speaking words that are destructive and harmful?
• If our words are not reflecting the love of God, then we need to take a step back and examine our hearts.

The Power of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is our helper in this journey of cultivating a pure heart and speaking words that are pleasing to God.

• He can guide our thoughts and words, and He can empower us to speak with love and grace.
• When we yield to the Holy Spirit's influence, our words will become a blessing to ourselves and to others.