What does “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” mean?

“Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” is a phrase that appears in the New Testament, specifically in the book of Matthew. It is found in Matthew 12:34, which reads: “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” This verse is part of a larger teaching by Jesus on the nature of sin and the importance of self-control.

In the context of this passage, Jesus is addressing a group of religious leaders who are accusing him of casting out demons by the power of Satan. In response, Jesus points out that it is impossible for someone to speak or act in a way that is contrary to the nature of their inner being. He says that the words and actions of a person are ultimately a reflection of the state of their heart.

So, what does this phrase mean? Essentially, it suggests that the things we say and do are a direct reflection of our innermost thoughts and feelings. If our hearts are full of love, kindness, and compassion, we will naturally speak and act in ways that reflect those qualities. On the other hand, if our hearts are filled with anger, resentment, or hatred, our words and actions will likely reflect those negative emotions as well.

This idea is supported by other passages in the Bible that speak to the importance of the heart. For example, in Proverbs 4:23, it is written: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” This verse suggests that the heart is the source of all our actions and words, and that it is crucial to pay attention to the state of our hearts in order to live a godly and virtuous life.

Similarly, in Luke 6:45, Jesus says: “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” This verse reinforces the idea that the words and actions of a person are a reflection of the state of their heart. It also suggests that we have some level of control over the state of our hearts, as we can choose to fill them with good or evil.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” is a phrase that highlights the close connection between our innermost thoughts and feelings and the way we speak and act. It suggests that our words and actions are a reflection of the state of our hearts, and that it is important to pay attention to the contents of our hearts in order to live a godly and virtuous life.