READ: PROVERBS 10:20; LUKE 6:43-45; JAMES 3:1-12

Have you ever had trouble with saying the wrong thing at the wrong time? I have, more often than I’d like to admit. At times I have my tongue under control, then someone will irritate me and boom! Out comes something that shouldn’t have come out.

As much as we would like to ignore our troublesome mouths, we can’t. Jesus said, “the mouth speaks what the heart is full of” (Luke 6:45). Our mouths can be used as a gauge for what’s in our hearts. Eventually what we think comes out, and that can be good or bad! When we speak words that are good, pure, or truthful, we can thank God and ask Him to help us cultivate a heart that continues to overflow with wholesome words (Ephesians 4:29). But when we say, or write, something that’s angry, hurtful, or sinful, we need to stop and ask where that came from.

On any given day, we may think we’re not struggling with anything or that we have no problems, but then our words will indicate otherwise. Rude words reveal unkindness. Lying ones show dishonesty. Complaining can display ungratefulness. The list goes on and on.

But the good news is, Jesus defeated sin on the cross and rose again, so we no longer have to let it rule over us. If we’ve put our trust in Jesus, He has cleansed us of sin and given us a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26). So now, whenever we discover a wrong attitude or habit, we can take it to Jesus, and He will help us overcome it (1 Corinthians 10:13; Hebrews 4:14-16). His Holy Spirit will replace things like resentment and pride with virtues like joy and peace, which will lead to good words (Romans 15:13). Jesus cares about what’s in our hearts, and when we say something we shouldn’t, He doesn’t leave us trying to figure out how to fix the problem. He’s right there to help us when we stumble, and with Him the evil things become good. • Morgan A. Mitchell

• Our words are good indicators of what’s in our hearts. So, whenever we notice bitterness, jealousy, resentment, pride, greed, or any number of ugly things spilling out of our mouths, we can confess these to Jesus and ask for His help. Ultimately, our sin comes from a place of not trusting God. But as we spend time in God’s Word, in prayer, and with His people, He will help us see how trustworthy He truly is, how deeply He loves us, and how He wants to heal the places we’ve been hurt. Consider taking some time to talk to Jesus about things you’ve said recently. In addition to talking to Jesus, who are trusted Christians in your life you can talk to about this?

“For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” Luke 6:45 (NIV)