Our Words Reveal Our Hearts

Words wield extraordinary power. They can ignite revolutions, mend fractured relationships, or inflict wounds that linger for generations. In our contemporary era, where social media platforms amplify every utterance and instant communication bridges vast distances, the potency of our speech has reached unprecedented heights. A single statement can inspire hope across continents or fracture communities with startling speed. Yet, amid this cacophony, many speak without pausing to weigh the eternal significance of their words.

The Bible offers profound insight into the nature and importance of our speech. Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 12:34 is at the heart of this discussion: “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (ESV). Spoken in a confrontation with the Pharisees, these words reveal a foundational truth: our speech is an unerring mirror of our inner character. Far from mere sound, our words disclose the state of our hearts, reflecting the presence of divine treasure or the corruption of sin. This blog post explores the significance of our speech as articulated in Matthew 12:33-37. We will examine its exegetical foundation, theological implications within evangelical thought, and practical outworking for believers, supported by the Bible and enriched by insights from the original Greek text.

The topic is not merely academic; it holds immense relevance for the Church and the Gospel. As ambassadors of Christ, our words shape our witness, influence our communities, and testify to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. By delving into this subject, we uncover both a challenge and a call—to align our speech with God’s will, that it may glorify Him and edify His people.

Exegetical Analysis of Matthew 12:33-37

To grasp the depth of Jesus’ teaching, we must first situate Matthew 12:33-37 within its narrative context. Earlier in the chapter, Jesus heals a demon-possessed man, prompting awe from the crowd but hostility from the Pharisees. Unable to refute the miracle, they accuse Him of operating under Beelzebul’s power (Matthew 12:24). Jesus counters their blasphemy, warning of the unpardonable sin (Matthew 12:31-32), before turning to the issue of their speech.

The Tree and Its Fruit

Jesus begins with a vivid metaphor: “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit” (Matthew 12:33, ESV). This agricultural imagery establishes a principle of correspondence—external fruit reveals internal nature. Applied to the Pharisees, their condemning words about Jesus (attributing His works to Satan) expose a corrupt root within their hearts. Had their hearts been aligned with God, their speech would have honored the Messiah rather than maligned Him.

Brood of Vipers

Jesus intensifies His rebuke, declaring, “Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things?” (Matthew 12:34a). The phrase “brood of vipers” recalls John the Baptist’s denunciation in Matthew 3:7, linking the Pharisees to a lineage of serpentine deceit—sons of Satan rather than sons of God. This indictment highlights their moral inability; their evil nature precludes good speech. The Greek term gennēmata (brood) and echidnōn (vipers) underscore their generation’s association with the serpent of Genesis 3, symbolizing rebellion against God.

Out of the Abundance of the Heart

The critical statement follows: “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34b). Here, two Greek keywords illuminate Jesus’ meaning. Kardia (heart) denotes not merely the physical organ but the core of one’s being—thoughts, emotions, and will. Perisseumatos (abundance) signifies overflow or surplus, suggesting that speech is the natural outpouring of what fills the heart. For the Pharisees, their blasphemous accusation reflects a heart brimming with malice and unbelief. Conversely, a heart stocked with “good treasure” yields words of righteousness and grace (Matthew 12:35).

Accountability for Idle Words

Jesus concludes with a sobering warning: “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:36-37). The term “careless” translates argos, meaning idle, inactive, or unproductive. Commentator Adam Clarke interprets this as “a word that does nothing, that neither ministers grace nor instruction to them who hear it.”  This extends accountability beyond overtly sinful speech to words lacking purpose or edification—a standard that challenges preachers and laypeople alike. Our words, as reflections of our hearts, serve as evidence in divine judgment, affirming or condemning our character.

The Biblical Teaching on the Power of Speech

The principle that our speech reveals our heart resonates throughout Scripture, reinforcing its centrality to theology.

Old Testament Wisdom

Proverbs 18:21 asserts, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits” (ESV). This dual capacity of speech—to bless or curse—underscores its potency. Proverbs 12:18 adds, “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing,” contrasting destructive and restorative speech.

New Testament Exhortations

The Apostle James offers a stark metaphor: “The tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness” (James 3:5-6, ESV). This imagery captures the tongue’s disproportionate influence, capable of spreading chaos from a single spark. Yet, Scripture also extols virtuous speech. Ephesians 4:29 instructs, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear” (ESV). Here, Paul envisions speech as a conduit of grace, tailored to edify and uplift.

These passages affirm that words are not neutral; they wield power to shape lives and communities, reflecting the heart’s alignment with God or its captivity to sin.

How Our Speech Reveals Our Hearts

Jesus’ declaration in Matthew 12:34 unveils a theological anthropology: sin originates not merely in actions but in the heart. Mark 7:21-23 elaborates, “For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts…envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person” (ESV). Speech, as the heart’s overflow, thus serves as a diagnostic tool, exposing what lies beneath.

The Need for Transformation

This reality necessitates heart transformation. External efforts to curb speech—while valuable—address symptoms rather than the source. Evangelical theology locates the remedy in the Gospel. Through faith in Christ, believers are reborn (John 3:3), receiving “a new heart, and a new spirit” (Ezekiel 36:26, ESV). The Holy Spirit cultivates the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)—which overflow into gracious speech. Conversely, the “works of the flesh” (Galatians 5:19-21)—enmity, strife, jealousy—manifest in gossip, slander, and division.

Gossip as a Case Study

Gossip exemplifies how speech reveals a corrupt heart. Romans 1:29-31 lists it alongside murder and deceit, signaling its gravity. Far from harmless, gossip—whether cruel or idle—harms its targets and betrays the speaker’s jealousy, resentment, or pride. As Jesus teaches, such words flow from a heart misaligned with God, capable of fracturing friendships and dividing Churches.

Accountability for Our Words

Jesus’ warning of judgment in Matthew 12:36-37 aligns with broader Biblical eschatology. Romans 14:12 states, “So then each of us will give an account of himself to God” (ESV), while 2 Corinthians 5:10 specifies, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ” (ESV). For believers, this judgment assesses rewards, not salvation, which rests on faith alone (Romans 3:28). Yet, our words remain consequential, evidencing our sanctification and impacting our witness.

Charles Spurgeon aptly noted, “Words are the wings of thought; they fly forth from us and are scattered abroad” (Spurgeon, 1882). Their reach demands stewardship, for they can grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30) or advance the Gospel.

Practical Steps to Align Our Speech with God’s Will

Given this theology, how can believers ensure their speech honors God? Consider these steps:

Cultivate a Godly Heart: Since speech flows from the heart, we must immerse ourselves in prayer, Scripture, and worship, allowing the Spirit to renew us (Romans 12:2). A heart filled with God’s Word overflows with truth (Psalm 119:11).

Practice Mindfulness: James 1:19 advises, “Be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” (ESV). Before speaking, we should ask: Is this true, kind, necessary, and edifying?

Reject Gossip: When tempted to gossip, we should redirect our concerns to prayer (Galatians 6:2), entrusting others to God rather than spreading idle talk.

Speak Grace: Following Ephesians 4:29, our words should build up, offering grace to listeners and reflecting Christ’s character.

Embrace Repentance: When we err, swift repentance and reconciliation restore relationships and honor God (Matthew 5:23-24).

Conclusion

As Jesus teaches in Matthew 12:34, our speech is a window into our hearts. It reveals whether we walk in the Spirit or the flesh, bearing fruit for righteousness or corruption. This truth, woven throughout Scripture, carries weighty implications: we are accountable for every word, yet empowered by the Gospel to speak life. For the Church, our collective speech shapes our witness—drawing others to Christ or pushing them away.

Let us, then, heed this call with sobriety and hope. By seeking heart transformation through Christ and wielding our words with purpose, we reflect the glory of our Savior. May we pray with the Psalmist, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord” (Psalm 19:14, ESV), trusting God to align our speech with His eternal will.

Our Words Reflect Our Heart

 

In the Gospel, according to Luke, we encounter a profound teaching from our Lord Jesus Christ that illuminates the intrinsic connection between the state of our hearts and the words that proceed from our mouths. The passage in question, Luke 6:43-45, is a part of the "Sermon on the Level Place," which parallels the well-known "Sermon on the Mount" recorded in the Gospel according to Matthew. While the settings differ, the message remains a timeless truth at the core of our spiritual condition.

As Jesus declares, "For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, for each tree is known by its own fruit. Figs are not gathered from thornbushes or grapes picked from a bramble bush. The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks" (Luke 6:43-45, English Standard Version).

This teaching, though succinct, carries profound implications for our understanding of the relationship between our inner being and our outward expression. It challenges us to examine the root causes of our speech and actions and to recognize that true transformation begins not with external efforts but with the renewal of our hearts.

The Context: The Sermon on the Level Place

To fully appreciate the significance of Jesus' words in Luke 6:43-45, it is essential to understand the context in which they were spoken. The Gospel, according to Luke, provides us with a vivid setting:

"And he came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. And those troubled with unclean spirits were cured" (Luke 6:17-18).

This "Sermon on the Level Place" takes place after Jesus had spent the night in prayer on a mountain. It is here that He chooses to address the multitudes who had gathered from far and wide. The setting is one of great anticipation and spiritual hunger as people flocked to hear the words of the One whom they recognized as more than just a teacher or prophet.

The Parallel in the Sermon on the Mount

While the setting in Luke differs from the "Sermon on the Mount" recorded in the Gospel according to Matthew, the themes and teachings share remarkable similarities. In Matthew 7:15-20, Jesus warns His disciples about false prophets, using the analogy of trees and their fruit:

"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits" (Matthew 7:15-20).

In both passages, Jesus employs the imagery of trees and their fruit to convey a profound truth about the relationship between our inner condition and outward manifestation. However, in the Gospel, according to Luke, the emphasis shifts from identifying false prophets to examining our hearts and the words that flow from them.

The Heart's Treasure and the Mouth's Speech

At the heart of Jesus' teaching in Luke 6:43-45 lies the concept of the "treasure" within our hearts and its direct impact on the words we speak. He declares, "The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks" (Luke 6:45).

This profound statement challenges us to confront the reality that our speech directly reflects the condition of our hearts. Our words are not mere utterances devoid of deeper meaning; instead, they are the outward expression of the inner treasures – good or evil – that reside within us.

The Greek word used for "treasure" in this verse is θησαυρός (thēsauros), which can also be translated as "storehouse" or "repository." This imagery suggests that our hearts are not simply empty vessels. Still, they are storehouses that accumulate and harbor the treasures that shape our thoughts, attitudes, and, ultimately, our words and actions.

The Importance of Heart Transformation

Jesus' teaching in Luke 6:43-45 underscores the vital importance of heart transformation as the foundation for true spiritual change and renewal. While commendable, external efforts to curb or modify our speech ultimately fall short if they do not address the underlying condition of our hearts.

The Apostle Paul echoes this truth in his epistle to the Corinthians: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come" (2 Corinthians 5:17). True transformation begins with a radical change of heart, a new birth in Christ that empowers us to put off the old self and embrace the new life in the Spirit.

This principle is further reinforced in the Book of Proverbs, where we read, "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life" (Proverbs 4:23). The heart is the wellspring from which all of our thoughts, desires, and actions originate. We must guard and nurture it with utmost care.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

In pursuing heart transformation, we are not left to our own devices. The Lord has graciously provided us with the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to walk in the newness of life and to bear the fruit of righteousness. In his epistle to the Ephesians, Paul exhorts believers to "be filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18), recognizing that it is through the Spirit's work within us that we can produce the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

The Holy Spirit's transformative power also extends to the realm of our speech. Paul instructs the Ephesians, "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear" (Ephesians 4:29). It is the Spirit who enables us to speak words that are edifying, encouraging, and life-giving, reflecting the goodness and grace of God within us.

The Transformative Power of Gratitude and Encouragement

As we seek to allow the Holy Spirit to work in our hearts and transform our speech, the Apostle Paul's words can provide guidance and practical application. In his epistle to the Colossians, he exhorts believers to "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God" (Colossians 3:16).

Here, Paul highlights the transformative power of gratitude and encouragement. When our hearts are filled with thankfulness to God, our words naturally reflect that attitude, spilling forth in songs of praise and edifying admonition to one another. Cultivating a heart of gratitude and using our words to build up and encourage others is a powerful antidote to the harmful speech that often flows from an untransformed heart.

Furthermore, in his epistle to the Ephesians, Paul emphasizes the importance of edifying speech, saying, "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear" (Ephesians 4:29). By allowing the Holy Spirit to govern our speech, we can become agents of grace, speaking words that uplift and encourage those around us, reflecting the goodness and love of Christ.

The Fruit of the Spirit and the Transformation of Speech

The Apostle Paul's teachings on the fruit of the Spirit provide a powerful framework for understanding the transformation of our speech and its connection to the condition of our hearts. His epistle to the Galatians lists the fruit of the Spirit as "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23).

Each of these qualities directly impacts the words we speak and how we communicate. Let us examine how the fruit of the Spirit can transform our speech:

Love: When our hearts are filled with God's love, our words become expressions of compassion, kindness, and selfless concern for others. We speak words of affirmation, encouragement, and empathy, reflecting the unconditional love that Christ has shown us.

Joy: A heart overflowing with the joy of the Lord cannot help but manifest itself in words of praise, gratitude, and celebration. Our speech becomes a testimony of the abundance of life and our hope in Christ, uplifting and inspiring those around us.

Peace: The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guards our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7). When we abide in this peace, our words become gentle, measured, and calming, diffusing tension and promoting reconciliation.

Patience: Patience is a virtue that extends to our actions and speech. With patient hearts, we are slow to anger, quick to listen, and careful with our words, avoiding harsh or reckless language that could harm or offend others.

Kindness: Kindness is the antithesis of harshness and cruelty. When our hearts are filled with kindness, our words become tender, considerate, and compassionate, seeking to uplift and encourage rather than tear down or belittle.

Goodness: The goodness of God manifests itself in our speech through words of truth, integrity, and moral uprightness. Our words reflect the righteousness within us, promoting what is pure, noble, and excellent.

Faithfulness: A heart of faithfulness produces words of steadfastness, reliability, and trustworthiness. Our speech is a testament to our commitment to God and one another, instilling confidence and assurance in those who hear us.

Gentleness: Gentleness is a quality that tempers our speech, making it mild, humble, and respectful. When our hearts are gentle, our words become soothing, offering comfort and understanding rather than harsh criticism or condemnation.

Self-control: The fruit of self-control extends to our speech, enabling us to bridle our tongues and exercise wisdom and restraint in our words. We become less prone to outbursts of anger, gossip, or harmful speech and more intentional in our communication.

As we cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in our lives, our speech undergoes a profound transformation, reflecting the very character of Christ. Our words become vehicles of grace, love, and truth, bearing witness to the work of the Holy Spirit within us and impacting those around us in profound ways.

The Power of Transformed Speech

When the power of the Holy Spirit transforms our hearts, and our speech is aligned with the fruit of the Spirit, the impact on our lives and those around us is profound. Transformed speech has the power to:

1. Glorify God: Our words become a testament to God's transformative work in our lives, bringing honor and praise to His name. As we speak words of truth, love, and encouragement, we witness Christ's presence within us.

2. Build up the Body of Christ: The apostle Paul encourages us to use our speech to build up one another (Ephesians 4:29). When our words are seasoned with grace and improvement, we contribute to the growth and unity of the Church, strengthening and encouraging our fellow believers.

3. Evangelize the lost: Our transformed speech can become a powerful witness to those who do not yet know Christ. When they observe the profound change in our manner of speaking, marked by love, kindness, and truth, they may be drawn to the source of that transformation – the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

4. Promote peace and reconciliation: Words can escalate conflict or promote peace. When the fruit of the Spirit governs our speech, we become agents of reconciliation, using our words to diffuse tensions, promote understanding, and foster unity.

5. Reflect the character of Christ: As we allow the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts and speech, we become living examples of Christ's love, grace, and truth. Our words become a mirror, reflecting the very character of our Savior to a world in desperate need of His light.

The Ongoing Journey of Transformation

While the teachings of Jesus in Luke 6:43-45 and the principles outlined by the apostle Paul provide a clear path for transforming our speech, it is essential to recognize that this process is an ongoing journey. We are constantly challenged to guard our hearts and minds and to yield ourselves to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.

The Apostle Paul acknowledged this ongoing struggle when he wrote, "For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate" (Romans 7:15). Even as redeemed children of God, we still wrestle with the inclinations of our fallen nature, and our speech can sometimes reflect the lingering corruptions of our hearts.

However, we still need hope and resources. The Scriptures offer us guidance and encouragement in this journey of transformation:

1. The Renewing of the Mind: In his epistle to the Romans, Paul exhorts believers to "be transformed by the renewal of your mind" (Romans 12:2). This renewal involves a constant process of aligning our thoughts and perspectives with the truth of God's Word, allowing it to shape and mold our hearts and, consequently, our speech.

2. The Practice of Repentance and Forgiveness: When we stumble and our speech falls short of Christ's standard, we must be quick to repent and seek forgiveness. The apostle John assures us, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). This cycle of repentance and forgiveness keeps our hearts tender and open to the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit.

3. The Discipline of Prayer and Meditation: Praying and meditating on God's Word is essential for maintaining a close relationship with the Lord and allowing His truth to permeate our hearts and minds. As we abide in Christ and His Word abides in us, our speech will naturally be transformed (John 15:7).

4. The Support of the Body of Christ: The transformation journey is not meant to be walked alone. The Body of Christ provides a community of believers who can encourage, exhort, and hold one another accountable in pursuing godly speech and conduct (Hebrews 10:24-25).

As we embrace these disciplines and resources, we can find strength and encouragement to persevere in the ongoing heart and speech transformation process. It is a lifelong journey that yields eternal rewards as we become increasingly conformed to the image of Christ.

Conclusion

The words of Jesus in Luke 6:43-45 echoed throughout the New Testament's teachings, reminding us of the profound truth that our speech reflects the condition of our hearts. True transformation begins not with external efforts to modify our language but with the renewal of our innermost being through the power of the Holy Spirit.

As we invite the Spirit to work within us, cultivating the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, our speech will transform profoundly. Our words will become vehicles of grace, love, and truth, bearing witness to the reality of Christ's presence within us and impacting those around us in profound ways.

This transformation journey is not easy as we wrestle with the lingering inclinations of our fallen nature. However, we are not left without resources—the renewing of our minds, the practice of repentance and forgiveness, the discipline of prayer and meditation, and the support of the Body of Christ all serve to strengthen and sustain us along the way.

Ultimately, the goal of this transformation is not merely to improve our outward speech but to align our entire being – heart, mind, and soul – with the very character of Christ. As we allow the Holy Spirit to work within us, our words will become a reflection of the divine treasure that dwells within, bringing glory to God and bearing witness to the transformative power of the Gospel.

So let us heed the words of our Lord and seek the renewal of our hearts, that our speech may be a fragrant offering, pleasing to God and a blessing to those around us. For as Jesus declared, "Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks" (Luke 6:45), and when our hearts are filled with the treasures of Christ, our words will bear the sweet fruit of His Spirit.