Speech #5—Justifying Speech

The mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart. Good people out of their good treasure bring forth what is good; and evil people out of their evil treasure bring forth what is evil. … By your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned. Matthew 12:34–37

When we speak to other people, the Lord hears and evaluates what we say and how we say it. He will have the last say about what comes out of our mouths. One way to be sure we will hear him vindicate us is to speak righteously. If good things come out of our mouths, a good verdict will issue from God’s. What kind of words does the Lord deem worthy of his approval? Words that indicate how much we treasure him. For our hearts to be full of good, as Jesus desires them to be, they must be full of God. When we love God wholeheartedly, our speech will be useful to those who hear us. It will accord with his design for his creation. It will build up and not tear down. It will be righteous speech in God’s ears. We will speak well of him, which will cause others to worship him. We will tell of his wonderful works, which will cause others to call on him. We will speak of his forgiveness, which will cause others to repent and return to him. We will talk of his faithfulness and righteousness, which will cause others to commit their futures to him. Then from him we will hear, “Well done!”

Fill me with your Spirit—the fullness of your joy—so I bubble over with the memory of your abundant goodness, and sing joyfully of your righteousness, in Jesus’ name. Amen.