It’s true that “you are what you eat.” I have a favorite sugary cereal that I sometimes snack on, even though I know that half an hour later I’m going to crash. Diet is important, because—thanks to the miracle of metabolism—our food literally becomes a part of us. I might be 20-percent milk and hydrogenated corn syrup!
It’s even truer that “you are what you say.” When the religious leaders complained that His disciples were eating with unwashed hands, Jesus replied that it’s not what you eat that corrupts you, but the words that come out of your mouth. Why? Because there is a direct line from your mouth to your heart. Jesus explained, “Anything you eat passes through the stomach and then goes into the sewer. But the words you speak come from the heart—that’s what defiles you” (Matthew 15:17-18).
If you want to know what’s in your heart, think about what you said today. Did your words nourish and encourage others? Were they kind “like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body”? (Proverbs 16:24). James said we can tell what we’re really like by the way we talk to and about others. We know better than to curse God in the presence of others, but do we curse “those who have been made in the image of God”? If we do, then our hearts have become a “salty spring” that produces only “bitter water” (James 3:9-12).
Last night I did something worse than eat junk food. I carelessly spoke junk words to my daughter, which caused her eyes to be filled with hurt. My heart sank for the damage I had needlessly inflicted, and for what my foolish words said about me. I asked for her forgiveness, and thank God for a fresh start today.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Joshua 7:1-26
More:
Read James 3:1-12 to learn about the danger and importance of our words.
Next:
What do your words reveal about you? How can you use your words to lift others to God?
gillian on March 3, 2014 at 6:44 am
In yesterday’s devotional, we learned that when seeking wisdom we should ask for guidance from God. Mike, I think this principle applies so well to what we say, the words we use, our body language (is it in sync with our words?) and the effects our words can have on someone else.
Gary Shultz on March 3, 2014 at 6:56 am
James had it pegged, in today’s world we see a lot of “fire tongues”. Another great opportunity to be light.
tgustafs on March 3, 2014 at 8:25 am
Appreciate your transparency with this vital topic, Mike. I can relate completely!
Mike Wittmer on March 3, 2014 at 9:23 am
I am helped by Proverbs 10:19, “Where words are many, sin is not absent.” Better to talk less!
cjbaize on March 3, 2014 at 10:51 am
Our unspoken thoughts reveal as much or more than spoken words. Thank God for his forgiveness and grace.
Mike Wittmer on March 3, 2014 at 6:54 pm
Great point! There is a direct link between our thoughts and our words, and just because we don’t say them doesn’t mean we didn’t think them.
Winn Collier on March 4, 2014 at 8:38 am
those moments where the angry or irritated words rush out my mouth onto my boys – those are places of deep regret. you’ve given me some things to ponder today.