How do we know what’s in an individual’s heart? As Jesus was ascending in popularity, there was also increasing opposition toward Him from the religious leaders. Jesus presented an axiomatic truth to the Pharisees:

Either assume the tree to be good as well as its fruit good, or assume the tree to be bad as well as its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit. (Matthew 12:33)

The quality of the fruit reflects the condition of the source and so it is in our lives. Jesus was bringing forth good fruit, but the Pharisees were falsely accusing Him. In the next verse, Jesus excoriates His critics and points out that the condition of our heart is reflected by the words we speak:

You offspring of vipers, how can you, being evil, express any good things? For the mouth speaks from that which fills the heart. The good person brings out of his good treasure good things; and the evil person brings out of his evil treasure evil things. (Matthew 12:34-35)

The words we speak provide a window into the condition of our hearts. Jesus then gave a sobering warning:

But I tell you that for every careless word that people speak, they will give an account of it on the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned. (Matthew 12:36-37)

The word careless literally means without work and it refers to that which is ineffective or worthless. Do we realize that we will give an account for the words we speak? The Apostle Paul makes it clear that all of us shall appear before the judgment seat:

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive compensation for his deeds done through the body, in accordance with what he has done, whether good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:10)

People have a tendency to go through life speaking without thought or reflection, and they imagine that it matters little what they say. Jesus’ words bring about conviction if we make an honest examination of our speech. How many idle, foolish, vain, frivolous, unprofitable, and even sinful things have we said without thinking? We would do well to follow the admonition of Solomon:

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. (Proverbs 18:21)

Solomon also taught us:

One who guards his mouth and his tongue, guards his soul from troubles. (Proverbs 21:23)

Perhaps Mark Twain was influenced by the wisdom of Solomon as he observed, “It is better to keep one’s mouth shut and be thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.” Does your speech reflect a good tree or a bad tree? Sometimes it’s best to remain silent realizing that a closed mouth gathers no foot.

Rick Higgins

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark