How often have you said something that you wished never was said? Man, I would pay hundreds of dollars to have some of my spoken words back. If you are like me, there are a number of relationships that have been impacted and damaged by your words. I have hurt my wife, my kids, even my sweet grandkids, family, dear friends, and people who would have been friends if not for my hurtful, insensitive words. Perhaps, you can identify with me. Have you ever said something that was cruel, unkind, malicious, or offensive?
Jesus made some staggering comments about the origin of words in Matthew 12:34-37, “34 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. 35 A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. 36 But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. 37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” In this biblical passage:
- It becomes obvious that the condition of my heart determines the goodness of my words. Verse 34 states, “For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” Then, verse 35 emphasizes this by stating, “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.” If I speak acidic, hurtful, insensitive words, it is because my heart needs repair. Spoken words are an accurate acid test of the condition of my heart.
- Jesus throws a verbal punch that is flooring in verses 36 and 37, “But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” OUCH! Your words are eternally impacting.
Proverbs 4:23&24 describes what’s required from each of us, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. 24 Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.” It is essential for each of us to guard our heart. How do we do that? Proverbs 4:20-22 tells us how, “My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. 21 Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; 22 for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.” Marinate your heart with God’s Word. His Word becomes a healing scalpel that makes you whole. Once this is done, your words become a blessing to God and others.
Barnabas Man 