Good vs. Bad Communication

Matthew 12:33-37

33 Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. 34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. 35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. 36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. 37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

Words cannot be taken back once they are spoken. I remember as a child chanting an old rhyme to the bullies at school:


“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but your words can never hurt me,”

all the while crying inside at their cruel statements. The words they spoke have never been forgotten, though the mouths that uttered them have.


I have donated my own share of “idle talk” in the past 23 years, a confession I am not proud to admit. I’ve contributed to gossip, I’ve given in to anger, and I’ve made hasty and inaccurate assumptions. I’ve said things that have discouraged people, upset them, and hurt them.


What is so great about evil speech? What is so attractive about it?


It definitely does not mirror the love of Christ.

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things (Philippians 4:8).”

The mouth speaks what is in the heart, so if I think on the good, then that is what will escape my lips.

It is a simple lesson, yet one I am still learning.

Thank you, Jesus, for not giving up on me!