EXAMINE THE HEART

Matthew 12:33-37

Make a tree good and its fruit will be good.......for out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.
The first step to check the way we speak is to check on the condition of the heart.

The book of Proverbs has much to say about how the condition of our hearts affects our speech:
* The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction (16:21)
* Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life (4:23)
* The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin (10:8)
* A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself, but the heart of fools blurts out folly (12:23)
* An anxious heart weights a man down, but a kind word cheers him yo (12:25)
* The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly (15:14)
* The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil (15:28)
* A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones (15:30)
* The hearts of the wise make their mouth prudent, and their lips promote instruction (16:23)
* One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend (22:11)
* Like a coating of glaze over earthenware are fervent lips with an evil heart (26:23)
* Enemies disguise themselves with their lips, but in their hearts they harbour deceit. Though their speech is charming, do not believe them, for seven abominations fill their hearts (26:24-25)

So, how's your heart? The heart of the matter is a matter of the heart!