O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. (Matthew 12:34-35)
In Matthew 12:34-35, Jesus was addressing a pretty sizeable crowd by challenging them to understand the connection between their hearts and their words. He confronted the contradiction of evil hearts producing good speech. It is an undeniable truth that what fills our hearts will eventually spill out through our mouths. Our words reveal the abundance, or the overflow, of what is inside of us.
Our hearts are like treasuries, where we store the treasures of our thoughts, desires, and intentions. Every word we speak is a deposit into that treasury, shaping its contents. The Greek word for treasure implies a deposit, just like a bank deposit. Imagine, every day, the deposits you are making into the treasury of your heart.
That is why it is crucial to guard our hearts diligently. The things we allow ourselves to dwell upon, the conversations we engage in, and the media we consume all influence the contents of our hearts. By immersing ourselves in God's Word and seeking His guidance through prayer, we make deposits of goodness, love, and truth. If we hold on to bitterness, anger, jealousy, or deceit, these negative attitudes will manifest through our speech and actions. The darkness within cannot produce light. Therefore, we are called to root out evil from our hearts, repent of our sins, and surrender our lives to the transforming power of Christ.Our words carry immense power. As followers of Christ, we are called to be mindful of our speech, using our words to build up, encourage, and bless others. When our hearts are filled with the goodness of God, our speech becomes a wellspring of love, grace, and truth, drawing others closer to Him.
Practical Application
Recognize the importance of monitoring what enters your heart. Be intentional about the media you consume, the company you keep, and the thoughts you entertain.