"For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good people bring good things out of the good stored up in them, and the evil people bring evil things out of the evil stored in them." Matthew 12:34b-35
 
Have you ever said something bad and wished that you hadn't said it? I mean, as soon as it left your mouth, you thought to yourself, "Oh! I shouldn't have said that."

If this is you, I have good news for you. We all mess up periodically and say things that we shouldn't. If you recognize this and take responsibility for it, it's doubtful that you harbor evil in your heart. However, if you consistently say things that hurt people or that make situations worse - then there's a problem.

What we say is a pretty accurate reflection of what's in our hearts. It's a pretty good reflection of who we are and what we think. Have you ever stopped to realize why you continue to attract the same kind of company (good or bad)? Or why we can't seem to attract the people we want to attract?

It may be based on what we consistently talk about. This verse is a part Jesus' defense against a group who accused him of being the "prince of demons." Jesus' defense is actually an offense because with this statement, Jesus is easily vindicated, but his accusers are convicted. How?

They said the wrong thing! "For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks." Folks, it is important that we keep our hearts pure. If we don't, sooner rather than later, we will say something that will incriminate us. But that's not all - our witness is tainted. People will begin to doubt what we say about Jesus and what we say Jesus has done in our lives, all because we "said" the wrong things. Now, I'm not just referring to talking badly about other people. We speak against the good things we should be doing too.

How many times have you heard someone say something out of line about their church, and then try to cover it up by saying, "But I love the Lord"? We say the wrong things because that's what's going on in our hearts. I'm glad that share with you that it doesn't have to be this way. John 1:9 states, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." Just tell the Lord how you feel and that you're aware that you shouldn't feel this way.

If you do this, I believe the Lord will drain the hurt, anger, disappointment, and bitterness from your heart and pour in joy, pleasure, excitement, mercy, and love. Hallelujah!  Now when you speak after the Lord cleanses you, you'll know what to say. And you'll say it well.