I need you to read this verse, and then read it one more time.
“A tree is identified by its fruit. If a tree is good, its fruit will be good. If a tree is bad, its fruit will be bad. You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgement day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.” Matthew 12:33-35 NLT
IS IT HOT IN HERE!?
Fear and Love
I love this verse, and it also scares me. “You must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak.” Are you a little warm after reading that, or is it just me?? The average person speaks about 16,000 words a day, and if you’re a woman, chances are likely that your number is slightly above that, so… I’m a little shook. Even if you’re not a motormouth, idle chit-chat is something that we all tend to participate in. We might chat about the latest episode of the show we’re watching, the news, the weather, celebrity gossip, you name it. We’re social creatures; we like to chat! Out of the 16,000 words I might speak, I fear 15,000 plus is pointless, idle chit-chat!
Here’s what I love about this Bible verse: It reminds me to examine my heart and words before I allow things to fall out of my mouth. It also serves as a reminder that sometimes silence is the best option. Now, not every word we speak needs to be a profound sentiment, BUT, for funsies let’s ruminate on how being silent and practicing speaking intentionally more often is of benefit. Whether we realize it or not, our words, even the idle ones, affect others. In some form or fashion, the words I speak, print, or text have an influence on other people, period. I say that humbly, and the same goes for you too. The words you speak, dear reader, influence others as well. Depending on who you’re speaking to the influence could be slight or major, but it IS in effect.
P.S. Our reach and net of influence is wider than ever, thanks to modern technology.
“The tongue can bring life or death; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.” Proverbs 18:21 NLT
How We Speak
God wants us to speak life into things, to speak with truth, and to be sensible with our words. Raise your hand if you want that; I know I do!
“For whatever is in your heart determines what you say.” Lord, please clean it up! My heart and mouth, that is. I want to produce the crème de la crème of fruit! If and when I have it my way (God’s way), the Diamond-Studded Demeanor version of me has the verbal discipline of an Olympian, the oratory precision of a surgeon, and gives life like a seahorse.
Our words are so powerful. If you knew me in real life (my friends can attest) something you would commonly hear from me is: “What’s the vibes?! Let’s set some intentions for the night!” I’m BIG on speaking things into existence. Even if it’s unlikely, I’m a “just say the thing” kind of person. You never know what blessings you’re welcoming in! Even if your intentions don’t come to fruition right away, speaking good things into your life is something I think we all should practice heavily. You read what Proverbs 18:21 says. Let’s reap these consequences.
On a serious note, in order to produce the creme de la creme of wordly (no, that isn’t a real word) fruit, we need to ask God to work on our hearts. We want the treasury of a good heart to draw upon, not the treasury of trash. If generosity, love, and kindness are in our hearts, we’ll generously dole out loving and kind words. If patience is in our hearts, we won’t be so quick to spew the first thought that comes to mind. If we have a wise and discerning heart, we’ll be able to give wise counsel to those who need it. If we have compassion and grace in our hearts, we’ll speak with care and extend grace more easily. We need Him to work on our hearts. It will change the landscape of our minds and expand our emotional and verbal vocabulary.
A Practice To Try:
Now and again I practice a period of silence. No conversations, no phone calls or texting, no internet, and no music. You’re on DND (do not disturb) but in real life. The purpose is to be still, self-reflect, and find peace. People can talk to you, but they won’t get a verbal reply. I had a pre-made text and note that said “In a period of silence for the next _ hours. You are welcome to speak to me, I cannot talk but I can listen.” My original intention for this practice was to gain more clarity by slowing my mind down. When you force yourself not to talk for an extended period, your brain will eventually slow down. A beautiful side effect of this practice is that you realize how much of what you say/want to say is not necessary. So once you’re in the practice of not talking, when you begin again, you’ll be more intentional with what you say. Another beautiful side effect is that you become a better listener, and you will observe and learn more about the people you interact with. Don’t take my word for it, try it and comment here to let me know what your experience was like.
God wants us to use our words for good. He wants us to fortify, support, and awaken beautiful things within each other using our words. I want to make a pact with all of you in the DSD community to be intentional with what we say and how we say it. Let’s speak life into what’s dying, and let’s revive what we thought was dead. If we can’t, let’s practice more silence. Silence is so much better than intentional or unintentional destruction. I don’t know about you, but I want to be acquitted! I also want to do as best I can to make the world a little softer, and more enjoyable for those around me, and I get the feeling that you do too.
A Prayer
Feel free to customize this to fit you personally:
Dear God,
Thank you for the ability to speak. I pray that you give me the will and discernment to use my words in a way that pleases and glorifies you. Please plant and develop the qualities that I need within to speak from the treasury of a good heart and please cast out the qualities within that cause me to speak foolishly and destructively. Help me to use my words to do your will and not my own.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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