Pure Heart = Pure Words
Pure Heart = Pure Words
Matthew 12:35-37
35 A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. 36 And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. 37 The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you. (NLT)
I love how the NLT translates verse 35. “From the treasury of a good heart” and “From the treasury of an evil heart.” The things that I really treasure I keep in my heart.
“Treasury” in my mind conjures up a chest of things: gold coins, goblets, precious jewels, etc. (symbolically good things. You could insert purity, holiness, love, joy, and peace) But what if my “treasury” is not filled with good things but with bad things: hatred, jealousy, pride, filthy thoughts, etc.? Wouldn’t the words that come out of my mouth reflect that? How can blessing and cursing come from the same source?
The frightening part for me is that on judgement day, I will have to give account for every idle word, (i.e., every word that shouldn’t have been said.). My words will either acquit or condemn me.
My prayer is today found in Psalm 19:14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. (NLT)
