“The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.” Luke 6:45

I turned on the tap the other day to find brown water flowing into my bathroom sink. This happens every once in a while in our home, and when it does, we are ready to declare a natural disaster and evacuate. This “family state of emergency” lasts until the water comes out clear.

Why? Brown water is disgusting. We don’t want it in our bodies, never mind in our pipes. 

If only I would be as concerned with the words that flow out of my mouth!

According to Jesus, what we say flows from deep within. Our mouths are like faucets, out of which flows good or evil, depending on the condition of our hearts. Sometimes we think we can clean up the way we talk without addressing the heart problem. But that’s kind of like trying to purify water after it comes out of the tap. The real problem is deep in the pipes. Similarly, the problem of sinful speech—like gossip, slander, grumbling, and lying—can only be fixed by getting at the heart. 

So there’s bad news: we can’t change our hearts. But the good news is that Jesus can. 

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26

This heart transplant is something only God can do. Turning from sin and trusting in Jesus is what we are called to do:

“Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” John 7:38 (ESV)

Having a new heart doesn’t mean it will always produce what’s pure. I am still a sinner. But I’m a sinner who has been saved by grace to speak in a new way that edifies others and glorifies God. 

What’s been flowing out of your mouth lately? 

Lord Jesus, forgive me for the sinful words that I have spoken. Change my heart by Your Holy Spirit so that what I say brings good to others and glory to you. Amen.     

Take Action

With God’s help, resolve to say nothing today except “what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29

Your heart can be a wellspring of life. Here's some help to guard your heart. 



Tags: words