"You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil."

Matthew 12:34-35

Most of us think of ourselves as basically good people. Few of us would call ourselves bad, and even fewer of us would consider ourselves evil. 

Part of the problem is that it is difficult for us to think of ourselves objectively, but Jesus provides us with an objective standard by which we can judge where we are spiritually: our words!

How do you speak to people throughout the day? Is it with courtesy and respect? Is your speech kind and gentle? Is it pure? Is it free of gossip? Are you truthful in what you say? 

Sometimes we do a good job of controlling our tongues in public, but when we are at home or when we're around those with whom we are closest we reveal our true character. 

This devotion really hits home with me as I write, as I'm sure it does with many of you. Pay careful attention to what you say today. If you find yourself speaking in a way that is not Christ like, then that is a good sign that there is still evil in your heart. Find those places in your heart and root them out!

Father, purify our hearts that our lips might only speak words of praise to your name and edification to our loved ones and neighbors.