Today’s 333 Devotional: “Watch Your Mouth”

Idle words are not all that idle.

“For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. … But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the Day of Judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:34b, 36-37)

The words we speak reveal the true condition of our heart. Our words, therefore, are an accurate account of not only who we are, but also of our relationship with God.

“Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man … But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man.” (Matthew 15:11, 18)

According to Jesus our words accurately portray the condition of our heart, therefore the Lord will judge us based not only upon what we do, but also upon what we say.

 Maybe this is why the Apostle James warns us to always be ready to listen, but not so ready to speak.

“My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” (James 1:19)

Even Solomon gives us warning when it comes to the words we speak.

“Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.” (Ecclesiastes 5:2)

Therefore, let’s not be hasty to be heard, instead let’s listen carefully to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and allow Him to speak to the situation rather than doing so in our own wisdom.

Remember the Holy Spirit isn’t called our Helper and Counselor for nothing, and Jesus tells us that He doesn’t speak on His own, but what He hears from both Jesus and the Father (John 16:7, 13).