Words have immense power. They can build up or tear down, encourage or discourage, bless or curse. The Bible, particularly in the book of Proverbs, repeatedly emphasizes the connection between the heart and the words we speak. One of the most well-known biblical principles regarding speech comes from Jesus’ words:
“Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” (Luke 6:45, KJV)
This truth aligns closely with the wisdom found in Proverbs, which teaches that what is in a person’s heart will inevitably be revealed through their words. If a heart is full of wisdom, kindness, and righteousness, the mouth will reflect that. But if a heart harbors bitterness, pride, or deceit, it will also manifest in speech.
In this topic, we will explore Proverbs’ teachings on the heart, the power of words, and how to cultivate a heart that speaks life.
1. The Connection Between the Heart and Speech
A. The Heart as the Source of Words
The Bible teaches that our words are not random; they originate from within us. Proverbs confirms that the state of the heart directly influences speech:
- Proverbs 4:23 (KJV) – “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”
This verse highlights that the heart is the wellspring of life-everything we say and do flows from it. If we guard our hearts, we guard our words.
B. A Good Heart Produces Good Speech
A heart that is full of wisdom and righteousness will naturally express itself through words that are uplifting and truthful:
- Proverbs 10:11 (KJV) – “The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.”
The words of a righteous person bring life, encouragement, and wisdom, while the words of the wicked cause harm.
2. The Power of Words According to Proverbs
A. Words Can Bring Life or Death
Proverbs emphasizes that words carry great consequences. They can bring healing or destruction:
- Proverbs 18:21 (KJV) – “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”
This means that our words can shape reality, influencing both our lives and the lives of others.
B. Words Reveal a Person’s Character
A person’s speech exposes their true nature. Proverbs illustrates this by contrasting the words of the wise and the foolish:
- Proverbs 15:2 (KJV) – “The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.”
The wise person chooses words carefully, while the fool speaks without thought.
3. The Dangers of an Uncontrolled Tongue
A. Gossip and Slander
One of the greatest sins of speech warned about in Proverbs is gossip:
- Proverbs 16:28 (KJV) – “A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.”
Gossip and slander destroy relationships and create division. A person who spreads rumors or deceit does so because their heart is not right with God.
B. Lying and Deception
Lying is another dangerous sin of the tongue. A deceitful heart produces deceitful words:
- Proverbs 12:22 (KJV) – “Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight.”
Honest words reflect a heart that values truth, while lies reflect a heart that lacks integrity.
C. Anger and Harsh Words
Proverbs also warns against harsh, angry words, which can cause deep wounds:
- Proverbs 15:1 (KJV) – “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”
A person who speaks harshly reveals a heart filled with bitterness and pride, while a person who speaks with gentleness demonstrates wisdom and self-control.
4. How to Cultivate a Heart That Speaks Life
Since words come from the heart, the key to godly speech is having a transformed heart. Proverbs provides several ways to cultivate a heart that produces righteous speech.
A. Fill Your Heart with Wisdom
- Proverbs 2:6 (KJV) – “For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.”
Seeking God’s wisdom through Scripture and prayer fills the heart with truth, which naturally overflows into speech.
B. Guard Your Heart from Evil Influences
- Proverbs 13:20 (KJV) – “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”
The people we surround ourselves with influence our hearts and speech. If we spend time with wise, godly people, we will learn to speak wisely.
C. Practice Self-Control in Speech
- Proverbs 21:23 (KJV) – “Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.”
A controlled tongue reflects a disciplined heart. Taking time to think before speaking helps prevent hurtful or careless words.
D. Speak Words of Encouragement and Truth
- Proverbs 16:24 (KJV) – “Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.”
Words of kindness, encouragement, and wisdom bring life and healing to others.
5. Jesus Christ: The Ultimate Solution for the Heart
Since sin begins in the heart, only Jesus can truly change and cleanse the heart.
A. Jesus Cleanses the Heart
- Ezekiel 36:26 (KJV) – “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you.”
When we surrender to Christ, He gives us a new heart, transforming the way we speak and act.
B. The Holy Spirit Guides Our Words
- Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV) – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
A heart filled with the Holy Spirit produces words of love, patience, and kindness.
The Bible teaches that “out of the heart the mouth speaks.” Proverbs reinforces this truth by emphasizing the connection between the heart and speech.
- A pure heart produces wise, kind, and truthful words.
- A corrupt heart leads to deceitful, angry, and harmful speech.
- The best way to change our words is to allow God to transform our hearts.
If we desire to speak words that bring life, encouragement, and truth, we must seek God’s wisdom, guard our hearts, and surrender to Christ. When our hearts are filled with righteousness, our words will naturally reflect His goodness.
