- Matt 12v34-35: You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. 35 A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.
- You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good?
#1 Evil people may lie to present themselves as good, but eventually, their reality will be known.
#2 If we are observant and careful enough, we can detect such lies of evil people.
- For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.
Our true inner self will be revealed in our words and actions. We cannot hide it for long. Under pressure, temptations or unknowingly, our true self will show itself.
- 35 A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him,
- and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.
What is accumulated inside will burst out.
- Chinese Classics:
- 《鬼谷子.捭阖》口者，心之门户也；心者，神之主也。志意、喜欲、思虑、智谋，此皆由门户出入。故关之以捭阖，制之以出入。
- The mouth is the gateway of the heart; the heart is the master of the spirit. Aspirations, joys and desires, thoughts and considerations, wisdom and strategies - all these come in and out through this gateway. Therefore, they should be controlled by the art of opening and closing, regulated by what to express and what to withhold.
- This is advising people to be cautious with their words. Once spoken, words reveal one's inner thoughts, emotions, and various aspects of their mental state. In many situations, such as social interactions, politics, and strategic planning, inappropriate speech can lead to unfavorable consequences. Mastering when to speak and when to remain silent allows one to better navigate complex relationships and situations.
- Some proposed that before we said anything, we should think about the following three questions:
- Should it be said at all? (What is encouraging, meaningful, rational, and beneficial?)
- Should it be said at this time? (When will be a better time?)
- Should it be said by me? (Who will be a better person than me to say it?)
- Ancient Chinese Wisdom teaches us about 天时地利人和 which tells us about
- The right timing 天时
- The right place 地利
- The right people to build harmonious relationships with people 人和.
- Applications:
- Self-Examination:
- to reflect on what our own words and actions say about our hearts. Are we speaking in ways that uplift, encourage, and align with good values? If we notice negativity or harmful speech, it is a sign to address deeper issues within ourselves.
- Discernment of Others:
- Observing others’ words over time helps in discerning their character. While someone may initially appear sincere, consistent observations will reveal if their words align with true goodness or disguise an ulterior motive. Being aware of subtle inconsistencies and how someone speaks under stress or challenge can expose the state of their heart.
- Wisdom in Communication:
- Ancient Chinese wisdom also teaches the importance of speaking with intention. The proposed three questions—whether it should be said at all, whether it is the right time, and whether we are the right person to say it—help ensure that our words reflect our best self and avoid unnecessary conflict or harm.
- Conclusion:
- Matthew 12:34-35 is a powerful reminder that true character is revealed over time through speech and actions. Lies may succeed temporarily, but ultimately, the heart’s true nature is disclosed. Ancient wisdom concurs, emphasizing thoughtful, timely, and appropriate communication as essential for harmonious relationships and strategic life navigation. The challenge for each of us is to cultivate goodness within so that what flows out is truly uplifting and authentic.
- Prayer:
- Heavenly Father,
- Help me to guard my heart and fill it with Your goodness, so that my words may reflect love, truth, and kindness. Grant me the wisdom to speak only what is uplifting and the discernment to recognize sincerity in others. May my life be a testimony of Your grace, showing integrity in all I do and say.
- In Jesus' name, Amen.
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