“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 out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:33-37(NIV)
Our words and works are indicators of the condition of our hearts. For, Scripture states, out of the overflow of our hearts the mouth gushes forth and the hands move. If our hearts are good our words and actions will follow suit and vice versa. This calls for watchfulness on our parts, Amen? If the enemy approaches and finds our hearts well-guarded he often withdraws waiting for a more opportune time.
We are to keep our hearts grounded in the Word of God, prepared for assaults from the evil one. A heart full of the love for God in Christ is good provision for the soul and it is a great protection against Satan’s arrows. When we are aware that we live Coram Deo – before the face of the God we love – we desire for our actions and words to be pleasing in His sight. Like Joseph when he cried out “How can I sin against God?” when tempted by Potiphar’s wife. The temptation ended because it could not take hold of him. Joseph exited through the door of escape which God will always provide when tempted: 12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! 13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (NIV).
When we are squeezed what comes forth? Our words and works are to bring God glory, leaving the aroma of Christ in their wake, breathing life and not death into our spheres of influence. Sadly, to our own shame, we often leave the stench of death. Guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus for they are the wellspring of life.
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the well spring of life. Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil. Proverbs 4:23-27 (NIV)
Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 16:24(NIV)