Out of the Heart, the Mouth Speaks
Have you ever said something in frustration that you immediately regretted? I certainly have. Words, even small ones, can wound and leave lasting scars. Yet at other times, a well-placed words can bring life—like a cool breeze on a hot summer day, however, even the right words with the wrong heart can reveal a misalignment.
On this faith journey, I’ve experienced all three countless times. Words hold immense power—they can build bridges or burn them down. Today, I want to explore the “heart-mouth” connection. It’s not just about controlling what we say; it’s about aligning our hearts with God’s truth.
What Flows from Your Heart?
Scripture teaches that our words flow directly from our hearts. Jesus said in Matthew 12:34:
"You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks."
Jesus was specifically addressing the Pharisees here, but the principle applies to all of us. If our hearts are cluttered with anger, pride, bitterness, envy, or fear, our words will reflect that—like water drawn from a polluted well. But if our hearts overflow with God’s love and grace, our speech becomes a fountain of life.
Luke 6:45 echoes this truth:
"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."
I love the word “treasure” here. What is your heart filled with—scripture, prayer, and gratitude? Or worldly distractions—social media rants, gossip, or trivial obsessions? Matthew 15:18 reinforces this idea:
"But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person."
Our words are not random—they reveal the state of our hearts.
Wisdom from Proverbs
Proverbs emphasizes this connection repeatedly. Consider Proverbs 4:23:
"Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life."
Solomon urges us to guard our hearts because everything—our actions, relationships, and words—flows from our heart. If the heart is the wellspring, then the mouth is the bucket drawing from it.
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits." - Proverbs 18:21
I have been on the receiving end, as well as delivered words that shattered confidence; and I have also seen spoken words that healed and gave hope. I pray the Holy Spirit leads me to be consistently on the side of life-giving words—words that heal, encourage, and inspire.
"There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." - Proverbs 12:18
Rash words—unfiltered outbursts—can wound deeply. Wise, heart-guarded speech, however, restores and uplifts.
Beyond Self-Control: Aligning the Heart
Often my words have flown out, and I find myself wishing I could grab them and stuff them back in mouth. Though I cannot do that, God is so gracious to reveal to me that those words often come from pride or selfishness—not the moment itself; my heart posture shapes what emerges in moments of chaos.
Self-control, while essential, is not enough if the heart itself isn’t transformed. James 3 compares the tongue to a rudder steering a ship or a spark igniting a forest fire. Discipline—pausing before speaking and choosing kindness over criticism—is important, but a renewed heart is the source of lasting change.
"Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me..." - Isaiah 29:13a
It’s possible to say the right words while our hearts remain distant from God. God desires a heart-level transformation, not merely outward compliance. Jeremiah 4 echo this call: hearts must be cleansed and fully devoted to Him.
"Circumcise yourselves to the Lord; remove the foreskin of your hearts, O men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem; lest my wrath go forth like fire, and burn with none to quench it, because of the evil of your deeds." - Jeremiah 4:4
And
"O Jerusalem, wash your heart from evil, that you may be saved. How long shall your wicked thoughts lodge within you?" - Jeremiah 4:14
Scripture is clear—hardened, wicked hearts need to soften and filled with righteousness.
Speaking Life from a Transformed Heart
Proverbs reminds us that good fruit is borne with a heart aligned with the God’s will. It also speaks to situations when we are mis-aligned:
"A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit." - Proverbs 15:4
"The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips." - Proverbs 16:23
A heart renewed in Christ produces words that are life-giving, wise, and healing.
"For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved." - Romans 10:10
So how do I continue to cultivate this alignment:
1. Guard your heart – Saturate it with God’s Word through regular reading, meditation, and memorization so that it shapes your thoughts and actions.
2. Seek heart alignment through prayer – Invite God to search your heart, reveal hidden motives, and cleanse anything that hinders His truth (Psalm 139:23).
3. Practice Spirit-led restraint – Pause before speaking and let the Holy Spirit guide your words.
4. Speak the gospel boldly – Let the truth of Christ overflow from your heart in words that encourage, testify, and point others to Him.
Christian, God cares deeply about your heart—and your words—because He cares about you and the mission He’s entrusted to you. In a world full of harsh rhetoric and chaos, let us be voices of life. Align your heart with His, and your words will flow as rivers of blessing!
Father, you give us a new heart, help us protect it and cultivate it to yield the fruit of the spirit. You’re so patient and kind, showering us with endless mercy and grace, grow our hearts to align with you will. When we are equipped with a new heart, we are ready to take ground for the Gospel, in a world that desperately needs it. Your will, not mine. We pray in Jesus holy name - Amen!
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