Lindsay Engers is an organic fruit grower who has adopted innovative practices of working with nature to build soil health. He applies volcanic rock dust to each tree annually and spreads diluted seaweed extract to the leaves several times a year. His diligent care results in a vibrant and resilient orchard.
In Matthew 12, Jesus connects our inner life with our outward communication, using the metaphor of trees and fruit. Earlier in the same chapter, Jesus had restored the sight and speech of a demon-possessed man (vv. 22–29). While the crowds were amazed, the Pharisees attributed Jesus’ power to Beelzebul, ruler of demons. Jesus responded by drawing a clear distinction—either people were for or against Him (v. 30). The evidence of a person’s heart posture was their words. He explained, “Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit” (v. 33). In other words, the Pharisees’ strong verbal opposition to Jesus’ ministry revealed that their hearts were against Him. Our words expose the character of our inner life.
Jesus sharply describes the Pharisees as a “brood of vipers” and calls them “evil” (v. 34). The religious leaders’ words against Jesus were not isolated mistakes or incidental remarks. They revealed a deeper resistance to truth. In verse 35, the words “good things” remind us of a storeroom where valuables are collected. Our hearts are shaped by what they amass, and our communication reveals what we have already cultivated. Following Christ means more than just managing our speech or adjusting our vocabulary. It requires tending the soil of our heart and feeding it healthy fertilizer. Only then will the fruit of truth and grace overflow into our communication.
Go Deeper
What do your words reveal about the condition of your heart? What are you filling your heart and mind with each day?
Pray with Us
We are sorry, Lord, for when our words reflect that our hearts and minds are not fixed on You. Transform us from the inside out. We surrender ourselves to You.
For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.Matthew 12:34
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