What steps help us avoid speaking from "evil treasure" in our hearts? Key Verse “The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil treasure of his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45) Understanding “Evil Treasure” • Our hearts function like storehouses. • Whatever we deposit—truth or lies, purity or corruption—determines what eventually spills out in words (Proverbs 4:23). Step 1: Receive a New Heart • True transformation begins with salvation (Ezekiel 36:26; 2 Corinthians 5:17). • We cannot clean up the storehouse without first letting the Lord replace the heart itself. Step 2: Fill the Storehouse with Scripture • Daily intake of God’s Word plants good treasure (Psalm 119:11). • Memorize and meditate so truth is ready on your tongue (Colossians 3:16). Step 3: Guard the Entrance • Filter what you read, watch, and listen to; garbage in means garbage stored (Psalm 101:3). • Set boundaries on media and entertainment that celebrate sin. Step 4: Walk in the Spirit • Yield to the Spirit’s leading moment by moment (Galatians 5:16). • The Spirit produces self-control, curbing sinful speech before it leaves the lips. Step 5: Practice Slow, Thoughtful Speech • “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger” (James 1:19). • Pausing gives the heart time to sift words through Scripture’s filter. Step 6: Speak to Build Up, Not Tear Down • “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up” (Ephesians 4:29). • Aim for speech that encourages, corrects in love, or points to Christ. Step 7: Repent Quickly When You Fail • Confess sinful words at once (1 John 1:9). • Ask forgiveness from those harmed and replace the evil deposit with humble obedience. Step 8: Surround Yourself with Godly Influences • “Walk with the wise and you will become wise” (Proverbs 13:20). • Fellow believers help monitor and encourage pure speech (Hebrews 10:24-25). Step 9: Cultivate Gratitude and Praise • Thankfulness crowds out bitterness (Philippians 4:8). • Regular praise to God trains the tongue toward goodness (Psalm 34:1). Step 10: Keep Eternity in View • “On the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word” (Matthew 12:36-37). • Remembering future accountability motivates vigilant stewardship of today’s words. Putting It All Together A cleansed heart, stocked with Scripture, guarded by Spirit-led discipline, and surrounded by godly influences overflows with life-giving speech. Take these steps daily, and the mouth will reveal good treasure instead of evil. |
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