WHAT’S IN YOUR WELL?

“For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks,” (Matt. ‭12‬:‭34‬ ‭NKJV‬‬).

Do you want to know what a person is like and what they think? Just listen to them for a while and you will find out. Now, I know some people are very shrewd and deceptive—but even they will have their unguarded moments. No one has a memory good enough to be a good liar. So even those who speak to deceive will disclose their character by their speech—that they are liars! Our heart is like a well. Our tongue is the bucket.

Whatever is in the well is revealed by our speech.

• Is there wisdom or foolishness in your heart? “All the words of my mouth are with righteousness; Nothing crooked or perverse is in them.” (Prov.‬ ‭8‬:‭8‬)‬‬. The word “perverse,” means “torturous and twisted.” Have you ever had to endure someone speak and it was like torture to listen to them. Some know how to twist the truth. They may have thought to impress you, but what they did was reveal the foolishness in their heart. Babbling is pointless, needless, abundant yakking. Abundant babble comes out of the overflowing folly of the heart. The wise man in contrast is a good listener. He receives commandments. Then when he does speak, he has something to say that matters.

• Do you value others or despise them in your heart? “For wisdom is better than rubies, And all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her. I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, And find out knowledge and discretion.” (Prov. 8:11-12). Out of a heart of overflowing love, the mouth of a righteous person yields that which enhances life. He or she builds up people, for they value people. But while the violent may mask their intent by smooth words, their intent is to harm and harm they do—through spreading gossip, slander, innuendo, all from a heart of hate. Sometimes they are so subtle as to spread their malicious message in the guise of concern, “Did you hear about ________ ? Now, I’m only sharing this because I want you to join me in praying about this.”

• Are your words marked by understanding or lack of good sense? “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength.” (Prov.‬ ‭8‬:‭13‬-‭14)‬. Understanding is cultivated from the knowledge of God—a personal walk with Him and daily time in His Word. An understanding heart shares that understanding in practical ways—in the right time and the right spirit and is well received. On the other hand, one whose heart is lacking in good sense has failed in the discipline of study, meditation and most of all has failed to nurture an intimate knowledge of the Holy. What they speak only brings rebuke to them, pain of correction, and ruin to all with whom they associate.

• Is there truth or deceit in your heart? “Riches and honor are with me, Enduring riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, And my revenue than choice silver.” (Prov. 8:18-19). A man who is honest of heart does not have to boast of his integrity, nor swear to his honesty—his yes means yes and his no means no and that settles it. His words are restrained. He has nothing to prove for his heart is sound. But the

deceitful of heart spread lies, utter slanderous statements, and gush with words to persuade that they are something they are not.

What’s in your well? Don’t be too quick to answer. The Bible warns of how deceitful our hearts can be—desperately wicked. Jesus is the great examiner of the heart—a righteous Judge who will neither be too harsh nor too lenient. Ask the Lord to search your heart, remind you of the words that you have spoken, and show you what’s in your well.

Your Servant,

Dennis Thurman, Mission Strategist