Matthew 15:18
βBut the things which proceed out of the mouth come out of the heart, and they defile the man.β
What does Matthew 15:18 mean?
Jesus is teaching that what we say reveals what's really going on inside us. Our words aren't separate from who we are, they're an overflow of our deepest thoughts, desires, and values. When we speak harshly, dishonestly, or unkindly, it shows what we're holding onto in our hearts, and that inner corruption is what actually damages us and our relationships, not external circumstances or other people's opinions. This is a compassionate reminder that if we want to change what comes out, we need to work on what's happening within us.