In the gospel of Matthew (15:18-19) Christ tells us exactly where all our tongue-trouble is rooted: “But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile. For from the heart come:
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evil thoughts
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murder
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adultery
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unchastity
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theft
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false witness
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blasphemy
These are what defile a person…”
Our trouble with words is heart trouble. We must attend to our hearts, so the sources of life may be renewed by forgiveness, confession, learning to love.
“With all vigilance guard your heart,” the book of Proverbs advises. “For in it are the sources of life.”
And we know we need grace for that! We can pray with the psalmist (19:15):
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.
This post is part of a 
series (see A Lenten Invitation from a Babbling Brook: Focus on Speech and Silence). To receive new installments, you’re invited to “Follow SparrowFare via Email” by placing your email address in the FOLLOW box in the right sidebar (mobile users will find it below). Please share the posts that speak to you. In this contentious time, let’s spread the word about the importance of our words.
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