Imagine for a moment that you were to wake up tomorrow morning only to find that the smell of your breath was determined by the condition of your heart. If your heart was full of love, compassion, and forgiveness, you would exhale minty fresh breath. However, if your heart was full of hate, bitterness, and unforgiveness, every time you took a breath, you would exhale vile dragon-breath.
What comes out of your mouth reflects what resides in your heart, shaping your words and their impact on others.
Jesus Teaches on the Heart’s Overflow
Jesus put it this way:
“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. For figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor are 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.
Jesus makes it clear that your words reveal your heart’s condition. A heart that abides in His Presence produces words of life, while a heart harboring bitterness or anger reveals the poison that comes out of your mouth. Consider a time when you spoke harshly to someone. That anger or frustration likely grew in your heart before it escaped your lips. The good news is that you can cultivate a heart that produces life-giving words by focusing on Jesus. When you focus on His love and truth, your words become a blessing, encouraging others and reflecting His heart.
Taming the Tongue
James, the brother of Jesus, wrote the following:
“If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also 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. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water” – James 3:3-12.
James uses vivid examples to show the tongue’s power. A small spark can ignite a forest fire, and careless words can destroy relationships or reputations. James highlights the contradiction of blessing God while cursing others, urging us to align our words with our faith. His warning reminds us that our words carry weight, either building up or tearing down those around us.
At first glance, you might think that there is no hope. You are left thinking that there is no possible way that you can tame your tongue, and you are right. That is precisely the point that James is trying to make. You cannot tame your tongue, but God can.
Note the words he chose: “For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue.”
It was not by mistake that James used the words “mankind” and “human being.” His intention was clear, exposing man’s complete inability to tame his own tongue. Only God’s transforming power can change what flows from your mouth by renewing your heart. When you surrender your heart to Him, He replaces bitterness with love and anger with compassion. This transformation begins when you invite the Holy Spirit to work within you, cleansing your heart and guiding your words.
What Seed Will You Allow to Impregnate Your Mind?
You see, a seed will impregnate the mind, the heart cultivates the seed where it grows, and when it comes into full bloom, the mouth gives birth. The question is, what seeds are you planting in your mind? Negative thoughts, gossip, or distractions produce harmful words, while thoughts rooted in God’s heart yield life. For example, dwelling on resentment toward a coworker can lead to harsh words, but reflecting on God’s forgiveness can inspire words of kindness instead.
Paul wrote, “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:8). Why did Paul write this? Because he knew that you could be “transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Romans 12:2).
By filling your mind with the things of God, you allow His Spirit to cultivate a heart that produces good fruit. This means choosing to dwell on His word and talking with the Father throughout the day. When you do, your words will reflect His heart. Consider how meditating on God’s love can change how you speak to your family or friends, turning criticism into encouragement.
Practical Steps to Guard Your Heart
How can you ensure your heart produces good? Start each day by simply acknowledging His Presence, talking with the Father, and meditating on His word. Avoid gossip or negative media that plants harmful seeds. Instead, listen to worship music, speak words of life, and encourage others. These habits shape your heart, making your words a blessing. For instance, when tempted to complain, pause and thank God for His goodness. This shift plants seeds of gratitude that produce life-giving words. Another way is to memorize scripture, like Psalm 19:14, which says, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” This prayer keeps your focus on Jesus, ensuring your words reflect His heart. When you focus on Jesus, your words will produce life. He is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise.
The Impact of a Transformed Heart
When your heart is transformed, your words become a ministry. Imagine the impact of speaking life into someone who feels hopeless. Your encouragement, rooted in God’s truth, can point them to Jesus. By guarding your heart and filling your mind with His word, you partner with the Holy Spirit to bless others. This is the power of a heart surrendered to God: it produces words that heal, uplift, and inspire.