Matthew 15:18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. 19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: 20 These are the things which defile a man"...
This passage of scripture teaches us that before actions and words are either done or spoken respectively, they exist in the form of thoughts that are dwelt upon, and often decided in favor of. It is a fact that we give voice to what we think about, and therefore our very words can be instrumental in our condemnation. In the recent case against Aaron Hernandez, the state prosecutors brought samples of recorded statements he had made, showing his intentions, by which it was later determined had ripened into actions. But in our courts of law, a person is not usually condemned for merely making adverse statements, because the prosecutors also need confirmed actions to justify charges against anyone.
But in the much greater court of heaven, intent and future actions are judged by our words, even if no crime is committed, for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. One of the first issues that are addressed by The Holy Spirit, in the life of a Christian upon conversion, is that of speech, for what we say can have a good, or a detrimental impact on the cause of Christ. And although we may be forgiven, the fact remains that words once uttered can never be retracted, and can be used over and over again to incriminate a person in the court of public opinion.
When Peter was pressed by various persons about his previous associations with The Lord Jesus, he responded by uttering blatant falsehoods, because at this point in his development he was ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it did not bode well with the popular majority of his day. And later on, as one of the maids insisted that he must have been with Christ, peter became very irritated, and uttered a series of curses and denials of his faith, to which the surprised mob gave ear, and those blistering words were forever etched in their memories, to be used conveniently in the future when seeking to cast aspersions on his profession of being a Christian.
Question: Was Peter completely forgiven by God for what he had done? Absolutely. Could the words thus spoken be ever retracted ? Absolutely not, hence the reason why it is of so great importance that as Christians we guard carefully our tongues, lest we give voice to evils that are lodged within, which we might still be battling with. Joining with the careless multitude in cheap or immoral talk and jests, or using words that are derogatory in nature are all signs that the inner man needs to be touched and cleansed by the grace of God, and it will also call for much self-denial in order that our speech be reined in. The apostle James refers to the tongue as a member of our body that is unruly, and is likened unto a horse that must be controlled with bit and bridle. Let's read:
James 3:3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. 8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
In gaining the victory over evil words, it is necessary that we replace the filth that may be in our minds, with the pure words and teachings of scripture, for the mind that is habituated to dwell on upright and elevating themes, will give voice to sentiments and words that are a savor of life unto life. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which encourages us to cultivate pure thoughts, and the good words will be sure to follow. Let's read:
Philippians 4:8 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. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard"... do, and the God of peace shall be with you.
May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His word. "Good night' and God bless!