(Prov 26:28 MSG) Liars hate their victims; flatterers sabotage trust.
This morning we continue our series entitled, “Unlocking the Power of Proverbs – Walking in the Wisdom of God.” I believe most people don’t think their words are all that important. While the Bible has a lot to say about this topic, unfortunately many believers speak words of faith in their morning prayers, only to then speak words of fear, doubt, and unbelief all day long. James teaches us that this doublemindedness will not produce results in the Kingdom of God. But what we learn today is not about doublemindedness, but rather what seems like intential lying and empty flattery. Once again, the vast majority of believers don’t think twice about a little lie here and there. Honestly, I have to catch myself from time to time. While a lie may not seem like a big deal to us, it is a big deal to God.
Jesus said, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.” This is a quote from Matthew 12. In Luke 6 Jesus plainly said, “Your words show what is in your heart” (Luke 6:45). You and are your words are one. Your words flow out of the abundance of your heart. If you constantly speak lies, then it is an indication that your heart is NOT filled with the truth. And one day you we will all be held accountable for EVERY word that we have spoken. In Matthew 12 Jesus went on to say, “But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Mat 12:35-37). Please take a moment to allow that last sentence to sink in. We will be either justified or condemned by the words that we speak. Why? Because God knows that twisted words only come from twisted people.
In John chapter 8 Jesus had a pretty interesting conversation with a group of Jews that came up against him. They were supposedly waiting for the Messiah, but He (Jesus, the Messiah Himslf) was standing right in front of them and they did not know it. This group devised a plan to kill Jesus and in their minds they were doing this for God. They were deceived and were not walking with God at all. Jesus plainly and boldly told them: “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me. Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:42-44). Wow! That is strong language, but it is the truth. The devil is a liar and the father of lies. Lying is his native tongue and those who lie and those who hide behind flattering words are actually speaking satan’s native tongue.
So what does this mean to you today?
1. The words you speak are a litmus test for the condition of your heart.
2. You are your words and your words are you.
3. Daily, your words are telling everyone who you are.
4. If you don’t like the message your words are portraying about you, then it is time to change.
5. To change your words you must change your heart.
6. To change your heart you must change your input: what you see and hear.
7. If you can change your input you can change the condition of your heart; if you can change the condition of your heart you will change the quality of your words; if you can change your words you can change your life!
Closing Confession: Father, thank You for teaching me how much my words matter. I refuse to speak lies or empty words of flattery. I say what I mean and I mean what I say. Sicne my words come out of the abundance of my heart, I will check my input to ensure I fill my heart with good things. As I fill my heart with things that are pleasing to You, my words will please You. My words will be words of blessing and not cursing, good and not evil, truth and not lies. Once my input is pure, my heart is right, and my words are righteous, I cannot help but be blessed. I change my life by changing my words. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!
