What practical steps can guard our hearts from defiling words? Seeing the Issue Clearly “ A man is not defiled by what enters his mouth, but by what comes out of his mouth.” – Matthew 15:11 Jesus pushes past surface-level rule-keeping and points straight to the heart. Defiling words are heart overflow, not random slips. If the spring is clean, the water is clean (Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 12:34). Why Words Matter • James 3:6 – “The tongue also is a fire… it corrupts the whole person.” • Luke 6:45 – “Out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” • Proverbs 10:19 – “When words are many, sin is not absent.” Our speech exposes what is ruling inside. Guarding the heart, then, is the only reliable way to tame the tongue. Practical Steps for Guarding the Heart from Defiling Words • Stay soaked in Scripture – Psalm 119:11: hiding the Word stores purity within. – Colossians 3:16: letting Christ’s word “dwell richly” crowds out corrupt thoughts. • Plant godly thoughts deliberately – Philippians 4:8: rehearse what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable. – 2 Corinthians 10:5: take every thought captive to obey Christ before it becomes speech. • Pray for a constantly renewed heart – Psalm 51:10: ask God to create and keep a clean heart. – Ephesians 6:18: “pray in the Spirit at all times,” keeping the inner life tender and responsive. • Watch your intake – Psalm 101:3: refuse to set vile things before the eyes; corrupt media feeds corrupt speech. – Luke 11:34: if the “lamp of the body” is clear, the whole body is full of light. • Choose companions who edify – 1 Corinthians 15:33: bad company corrupts good character—and vocabulary. – Proverbs 13:20: walk with the wise to become wise. • Practice restraint and replacement – Ephesians 4:29: filter out unwholesome talk; replace it with words that build up. – Colossians 4:6: let speech be gracious, seasoned with salt. – Romans 12:14 & 1 Peter 3:9: bless instead of curse; answer hurtful words with kindness. • Keep short accounts with God – 1 John 1:9: confess quickly when sinful words slip out, letting cleansing be immediate. – Proverbs 28:13: hiding sin hardens the heart; confessing and forsaking it brings mercy. Living It Out Today Guarding the heart is not a one-time fix but a daily rhythm: intake the Word, filter the media, pray continuously, choose wise company, and speak grace on purpose. As the inner well stays pure, what flows from our mouths will refresh rather than defile—and Christ’s name will be honored in every conversation. |
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