Words hold incredible power. They can build up or tear down, bless or curse, heal or hurt. The Bible teaches that our words are a direct reflection of what is in our hearts. One of the most well-known verses about this is found in Luke 6:45:
‘A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.’ (Luke 6:45, NKJV)
This verse highlights a profound truth: our words reveal the true condition of our hearts. In this topic, we will explore:
- The meaning of ‘out of the abundance of the heart’
- How our words reflect our inner nature
- Biblical examples of how speech reveals the heart
- The power of words in shaping our lives
- How to guard and transform our hearts for godly speech
What Does ‘Out of the Abundance of the Heart’ Mean?
1. The Heart as the Source of Our Words
In the Bible, the ‘heart’ represents our inner being-our thoughts, emotions, desires, and character. Whatever fills our hearts will eventually overflow through our words.
- If our hearts are filled with love, kindness, and faith, our speech will be uplifting.
- If our hearts are filled with anger, bitterness, and pride, our words will be harsh and destructive.
2. Words Are a Reflection of the Heart
Jesus emphasizes in Matthew 12:34:
‘For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.’
This means that our speech is a mirror of our true selves. No matter how hard we try to hide it, what we say will ultimately reveal what is in our hearts.
How Our Words Reflect Our Inner Nature
1. Words Reveal Our True Character
Even when people try to appear kind or righteous, their words will eventually expose their true nature. Proverbs 10:11 states:
‘The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.’
A person with a pure heart speaks words of life, while someone with evil intentions will speak deceitfully.
2. Negative Words Indicate a Troubled Heart
Harsh, unkind, or deceptive speech comes from a heart that is filled with bitterness, anger, or pride. James 3:10-11 warns us:
‘Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?’
If we find ourselves speaking negatively often, it may be a sign that our hearts need healing and transformation.
3. Positive Words Come from a Godly Heart
A heart filled with God’s love and wisdom will produce words that encourage and bless others. Proverbs 16:24 describes this beautifully:
‘Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.’
When our hearts are filled with goodness, our speech will reflect kindness, encouragement, and truth.
Biblical Examples of Speech Revealing the Heart
1. The Pharisees – Hypocrisy in Words
Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for their hypocritical and self-righteous words. Though they claimed to be godly, their speech exposed their pride and spiritual blindness.
‘You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.’ (Matthew 12:34, NIV)
Their words revealed their corrupt hearts, proving that they were far from God.
2. David – A Heart That Praises God
King David’s words often reflected his love for God. Many Psalms show his heart’s devotion:
‘My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord. Let every creature praise his holy name forever and ever.’ (Psalm 145:21)
David’s words were filled with worship and trust because his heart was close to God.
3. Peter – A Changed Heart
Before Jesus’ crucifixion, Peter denied Him three times. This showed his fear and weakness at that moment. However, after Jesus restored him, Peter’s heart was transformed, and he boldly preached the Gospel.
This change in speech reflected the change in his heart-from fear to faith.
The Power of Words in Shaping Our Lives
1. Words Can Build or Destroy
The Bible warns about the impact of our words. Proverbs 18:21 states:
‘The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.’
Our words can:
✅ Encourage or discourage
✅ Heal or hurt
✅ Unite or divide
2. Words Influence Our Spiritual Growth
If we constantly speak negativity, doubt, or gossip, it weakens our spiritual life. But if we speak faith, love, and truth, we grow closer to God.
Psalm 19:14 is a great reminder:
‘May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord.’
3. Words Affect Our Relationships
Our speech impacts our friendships, marriages, and families. A loving heart produces words that strengthen relationships, while a bitter heart leads to words that cause division.
How to Guard and Transform Our Hearts for Godly Speech
If our words come from our hearts, then to change our speech, we must first change our hearts. Here’s how:
1. Fill Your Heart with God’s Word
Reading and meditating on the Bible fills our hearts with truth and wisdom. Psalm 119:11 says:
‘I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.’
When God’s Word fills our hearts, our speech becomes gracious and uplifting.
2. Pray for a Pure Heart
David prayed in Psalm 51:10:
‘Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.’
Asking God to cleanse our hearts helps us speak words that honor Him.
3. Be Mindful of Your Thoughts
Since words come from thoughts, we must guard our minds. Philippians 4:8 teaches us to focus on things that are true, noble, right, pure, and lovely.
4. Avoid Gossip and Negative Speech
Ephesians 4:29 warns:
‘Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up.’
We should be careful not to spread negativity, but instead use words to encourage and strengthen others.
Speaking Life from a Pure Heart
The words we speak are a reflection of what is inside us. If our hearts are filled with love, faith, and truth, our words will reflect those qualities. But if our hearts are filled with bitterness, pride, or negativity, our speech will expose it.
The good news is that God can transform our hearts if we seek Him sincerely. When our hearts are aligned with Him, our words will be:
✅ Full of grace and wisdom
✅ Encouraging and uplifting
✅ A reflection of God’s love
Let us strive to fill our hearts with good treasure, so that our words may bring life, healing, and encouragement to those around us.
‘A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good… For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.’ (Luke 6:45)
May our speech always reflect the love and truth of Christ!