Connecting Point: Matters of the Heart

Words are powerful, and the tongue can be used for good or evil. The Bible provides a vast amount of guidance regarding speech; “tongue” is mentioned over one hundred times. There is wisdom in keeping a close reign on our conversations, King Solomon recognized this when he wrote, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens…a time to be silent and a time to speak,” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7b).

God’s Word is our guide and is intentional; knowledge is to be coupled with wisdom. One can have all the “head” knowledge knowing the scriptures but the application of those teachings is the key to being obedient to God, i.e. walking in wisdom. Without application, there will be no transformation by following Christ. Truthfully, most of us wrestle with the dangers associated with our tongue; words can cut deeply into another person. On the other hand, words can be encouraging and inspiring. Solomon adds more in Proverbs 18:21, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” So, we all face a choice daily in how we will use our tongue. And to be crystal clear as people we do not have the power to manifest reality, however, we do have the ability to build others up or tear them down.

Jesus spoke to the matter as well, he said, “Make a tree good and its fruit will be good or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words, you will be condemned,” (Matthew 12:33-37). Our tongue along with the larynx produces audible words, conveying what lies deeper in our hearts. Of course the “heart” refers to our will, attitude or intentions.

The following is helpful advice from God’s Word on guiding our wandering hearts. One, we should refrain from duplicitous speech. James instructs us about taming the tongue (chapter 3); if we praise God with our words but speak harshly of others our conduct is deceitful, and we have a heart problem. Two, one should guard against words spoken out of anger. “Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end, (Proverbs 29:11). Flying off the handle is an indicator of a troubled heart. There are times to be silent although Proverbs 17:28 teaches us silence isn’t always enough, “Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.” Three, when we speak let it be truthful and edifying. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen,” (Ephesians 4:29).