The Heart Eventually Reaches the Tongue

“Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. 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. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.”

Matthew 12:33-37 KJV

Words often reveal what we have been feeding inwardly. A repeated insult, a quick exaggeration, or a habit of suspicion may seem to appear without warning, but the heart has usually been rehearsing something before the tongue gives it public form.

Read the passage carefully

This does not mean one poorly chosen sentence tells the entire story of a person's life. We all need grace and correction. It does mean careless speech should be taken seriously rather than excused as a personality trait. The Lord hears what is said in a private message as fully as what is spoken before a congregation, and the effect upon others is real in either setting.

Pay attention to the thoughts behind your common words. If contempt keeps appearing, address the resentment rather than only polishing the tone. If exaggeration has become normal, practice accurate statements even when the truth sounds less entertaining. Apologize where needed and correct false information you have spread. A change in speech becomes more durable when it grows from repentance and renewed attention to God's Word.