Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight. – Psalm 19:14
You’ve probably heard the axiom “say what you mean, mean what you say, and don’t say it mean!” Good advice that may sometimes be difficult to follow. Everyone has had that day when saying what you mean would result in consequences you would rather avoid, so you sugarcoat your words. And at other times, you may be unconcerned that your communication will slice and dice! The most important issue with words is not sincerity but origin. Your words will always represent what they are – the fruit of your heart.
“For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). When Jesus said this, He had just performed the miracle of healing a blind and mute man. His critics insisted the power for that gracious act came from Beelzebub, the prince of demons. In response, Jesus expounded on the spiritual truth that a tree is known by its fruit. A good tree brings forth good fruit, and an evil tree brings forth evil fruit.
Words can get lost in an ocean of noise, but a person of substance stands out when what they say matches up with their acts of honesty and integrity. Today, as you are praying for governing officials, from a local council or committee to the highest national office, ask that leaders would express and act on Godly principles. And humbly consider your words and deeds, seek the courage from the Lord to adjust your perspective, where needed, to honor your faith in Him.
Today’s Verse: Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in your sight,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Matthew 12:22-37
22 Then a demon-oppressed man who was blind and mute was brought to him, and he healed him, so that the man spoke and saw. 23 And all the people were amazed, and said, “Can this be the Son of David?” 24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this man casts out demons.” 25 Knowing their thoughts, he said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. 26 And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? 27 And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. 28 But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. 29 Or how can someone enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? Then indeed he may plunder his house. 30 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. 31 Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32 And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.
33 “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit. 34 You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. 36 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, 37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
