Our Words Reveal Our Hearts – Part 2 – Understanding the Power of the Tongue and the Grace of Jesus

In Part #1, we saw that our words reveal what is hidden within our hearts. Jesus said, “For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of” (Matthew 12:34). The tongue is not merely a tool that communicates our thoughts—it reveals our character, our desires, and what fills our hearts.

We examined four common sins of the tongue: lying, gossip and slander, boasting, and wounding words. But the list does not end there. Some of the most dangerous sins of the tongue are often more subtle because they can appear acceptable—even respectable.

In this second part, we will look at four more crimes of the tongue: flattery, complaining, judging, and careless words.

5. The Tongue Flatters 

Flattery can disguise itself as kindness, but unlike genuine encouragement, it often seeks personal gain rather than the good of others. It says what pleases the ear instead of what is true and loving.

Proverbs 29:5 warns, “Those who flatter their neighbors spread nets for their feet.” Flattery may win approval for a moment, but it ultimately damages trust and relationships.

Jesus never used flattering words to gain approval. His words were always honest, gracious, and pure—even when the truth was difficult to hear. He never spoke to gain people’s approval, but to bring them to repentance and life.

6. The Tongue Complains 

In the wilderness, Israel’s grumbling stirred the Lord’s anger (Numbers 11:1), because complaining reveals a heart that questions God’s goodness and wisdom.

Paul gives a clear command: “Do everything without complaining or arguing” (Philippians 2:14).

The story is told of Matthew Henry, the great Bible commentator, that when he was robbed by thieves, he later thanked God for four things: he had never been robbed before, his life was spared, his loss was small, and he was the one robbed rather than the one committing the robbery.

What a contrast to a complaining heart. A grateful heart sees beyond the difficulty and remembers the goodness of God even in difficult circumstances.

7. The Tongue Judges 

There is a difference between biblical discernment and sinful condemnation. Jesus said, “Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly” (John 7:24).

The problem is not recognizing what is right and wrong; the problem is judging others with a proud, critical, or self-righteous heart. Job experienced this when his friends judged his suffering without understanding it. He cried out, “How long will you torment me and crush me with words?” (Job 19:2).

Proverbs 18:13 warns, “To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.” We must be careful with our words, remembering that the same righteous Judge who sees the hearts of others also sees our own hearts and will hold us accountable for every word we speak.

8. The Tongue Speaks Carelessly 

Jesus said, “Everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken” (Matthew 12:36). Even words that seem insignificant reveal what is happening in our hearts.

Paul urges us, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up” (Ephesians 4:29).

The contrast with Christ could not be greater. Even while hanging on the cross in unimaginable pain, His words revealed perfect love: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). Not one careless word. Not one selfish word. Every word reflected the holiness and grace of the Savior.

Here’s the truth beneath all eight crimes: they aren’t really tongue problems—they’re heart problems.

Jesus said, “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart… for the mouth speaks what the heart is full of” (Luke 6:45). Our speech is simply the overflow of what is already inside us.

But conviction is not the end of the story. God does not merely expose our sin—He heals it. Real change does not begin with stronger willpower; it begins with a heart transformed through Christ. James reminds us that no one can tame the tongue on their own (James 3:8). Only God can.

So the answer is not a simple checklist for better speech, but a deeper dependence on God.

In the final Part, we will look at the hope God offers—a new heart that produces a new voice through His grace.